The Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) is a government agency created to address violence in the Washington, DC area. The organization aims to assist families dealing with the grief and trauma caused by violence in the community. ONSE entrusted Black Digital to organize a unique event tailored to address the mental health needs of men who had lost family members or friends to homicide or gun violence.
The event came with a set of specific challenges, including a tight budget, a short timeline, and the negative stigma surrounding men verbally processing their emotions. ONSE needed a private, intimate venue, but in the middle of a busy holiday season, finding a venue that was also situated in a safe and non-traumatic neighborhood would be difficult. Additionally, the event could not be open to the public, so attendees would feel safe and comfortable coming.
To address these challenges, Black Digital reached out to eight potential locations and ultimately settled on Petworth Cigars, a black-owned and woman-owned cigar bar and lounge. The alignment of ONSE’s mission with the personal connection of Petworth Cigars’ owner to the cause added a meaningful touch. The event successfully created a safe, private, and intimate space where men could share their emotions surrounded by others who had faced similar experiences. The guest list comprised 40 carefully selected attendees, including those who had suffered losses just weeks earlier. The event’s exclusivity was maintained through invitation-only access, ensuring a curated guest list. Facilitators were present to guide and foster a secure environment for the men to open up and share their experiences.
Black Digital successfully addressed the challenges behind a men’s mental health event, creating a poignant and supportive environment for men dealing with the aftermath of violence. A highlight video captured the atmosphere and emotions, and each attendee received a cigar, cigar carrier, cutter, and an invitation to return to Petworth Cigars. Black Digital’s intentional selection of vendors and location contributed significantly to the success of the “Talk & Cigars” event. ONSE expressed sincere appreciation for the impactful work done by Black Digital to help the organization address the community’s mental health needs.
