Husband of my good friend Sharonda, a father, a hard worker, and an overall devoted family man. Sharonda connected us early into the pandemic as she and Ryan had been focused on helping more individuals improve their lives from the financial aspect. Little did I know, Ryan would end up becoming a great Financial Advisor to myself and others! Beyond that, I have come to know him as an overall genuine person. I was excited when he agreed to share his story.

Before we dig into his story, I would like to take a pause and share something on my heart. During this project, I have come to realize how (sometimes) challenging- yet healing, it has been for some of the participants to share their stories. This has not only served as a confirmation of what I felt in my spirit when I initially decided to do this- but it has also caused me to reflect a little bit and extend more grace as this is a unique process for myself and these amazing Kings. To all of the current participants (and future ones), please know how much you are valued and appreciated. Someone recently told me that I was “doing the Lord’s work.” While I’m honored by this compliment, I believe you are also doing His work by being so transparent in order to help another brother and change the negative stereotypes placed on our Black men. Your strength and courage does not go unnoticed. I can’t thank you enough for agreeing to be a part of this project. Please keep pushing and being the courageous, strong, and outstanding Black men that we know you to be. You’ve got this!

Speaking of transparency, please take an opportunity to read Ryan’s story, below. Remember to leave some love in the comments so that Ryan can continue to be encouraged as well!

My name is Ryan Marshall. I am a Financial Educator.

When you look at me from the outside, I seem to have things together. I have a great wife, two beautiful children, two small dogs with a house and a great career. I graduated from historically Black Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland with a degree in Communications. Following my time at Morgan State, I was a television sportscaster for nearly 10 years. After my time on television talking to the general public about the sports of the day, I pivoted to becoming a Financial Educator and teaching people about money and wealth including how they could make it work better for them.

However, when I go home at night, I will admit that there are times when I struggle with my confidence. I never thought that I would admit something like this in such a public forum. Part of my delay in sending this story to Angela was that I wrote and re-wrote this write-up multiple times even struggling with the very idea and notion of sending this over. Even in the midst of writing this, I was going through some very personal challenges. Needless to say, I finally wrote it.

Oftentimes, it is socially acceptable for women to struggle with things like their confidence, self-esteem, or their acceptance of their outward appearance. Men are conditioned and taught to have a tough exterior and never let anyone see your flaws or weaknesses. That mindset is especially prevalent in the Black community. You’ll often hear some say things like, “I’m good.” That comment may be followed up with, “I’m a G. I don’t take L’s.”

Black men often (not always) carry the largest burden from the pressures of society. We have to be strong and also be providers, among other things. There are many days when I feel like I have no friends, like the world is against me, or that I will never be successful to the level that I aspire to achieve that aforementioned success. Sometimes, I have to look in the mirror and give myself a pep talk just to get my mindset to a point where I’m ready to take on the challenges of the world. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I guess I’m finally strong enough to realize my challenges and my flaws.

Right now, I’m having a difficult time writing about my own personal vulnerabilities and the thought of hitting the “Send” button makes me feel: nervous, judged, scared, and so on. However, I know that there are men that need to read this. Anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem don’t discriminate because of your status, wallet, or where you come from. It can happen to any of us. It is important to know that as you go through your journeys in life, sometimes it is okay to not be okay.

I never thought I would be okay with saying that. But, for far too long, I didn’t get the help that I needed from a professional. Black men are not the best at taking care of their own personal health. However, we have to make our mental health a larger priority. While many people can’t see the effects outwardly, it can lead to other more severe issues such as high levels of stress that can lead to other physical ailments.

The key is talking to someone that you can trust without judgment that can be there for you mentally and emotionally. That can often be the first step to healing and recovery. Just like our beautiful black women need all of the love, support and strength they can get from all of us, Black men need love, support and strength too. As a Black man, I am committed to supporting any other Black man that says, “I’m struggling too, man.” For far too long, we have stigmatized mental health issues as something only crazy people deal with. It is time for us to stop and be there for each other. It is also time for us to stop and be there for ourselves – our best selves.

My name is Ryan Marshall. I am a Financial Educator – who struggles with anxiety and depression. And, it’s okay to not be okay. However, I’m getting help so I can be my BEST SELF!

Get to Know Ryan Marshall.....