Nurture, Inc., Negro Southern League Museum Look to Preserve History While Healing the Community

birminghamal.gov

The Negro Southern League Museum (NSLM), in partnership with Nurture, Inc., is launching a series of community health and wellness events designed to support mental, emotional, and physical well‑being throughout Birmingham.

Josh Gibson, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Negro Leagues history, died at just 35 years old from a stroke. Many at the time believed Gibson was struggling mentally, not realizing he was exhibiting the symptoms of a brain tumor.

His passing in 1947 — just months before Jackie Robinson integrated modern Major League Baseball — fueled widespread speculation that he had died from the emotional burden of not being chosen to break baseball’s color barrier.

Gibson’s misunderstood symptoms and the stigma surrounding mental health in his era reflect challenges that many individuals and families continue to face today. NSLM’s new wellness series aims to address these concerns in the historic setting of the museum which features legends like Gibson.

The first event in the series, Healing the Legacy: Fatherhood, Identity, and Emotional Wellness, was held on June 6. Led by licensed counselor Perry Goins III, the session created a supportive environment where participants explored the unique mental health challenges faced by Black fathers, discussed barriers to care, and encouraged positive, generational change.

Upcoming Events in the Wellness Series

• Race‑Based Stress: What It Does, How You Feel, and What You Can Do – July 11
A session focused on understanding the effects of race‑based stress and exploring practical tools for resilience and emotional well‑being.

• Write Your Way Back: The Healing Power of Journaling – August 15
An interactive workshop on using reflective writing as a pathway to healing, clarity, and emotional processing.

• ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences): Understanding Lifelong Impacts – September 19
A deep dive into how early life adversity affects mental health, behavior, and long‑term health outcomes—along with strategies for community and personal healing.

• Be Cancer Aware! – October 10
A community conversation aimed at increasing awareness of cancer risks, screenings, and prevention to support early detection and healthier outcomes.

This partnership between NSLM and Nurture, Inc. underscores the museum’s commitment not only to preserving the stories of Negro Leagues legends, but also to strengthening the community those stories come from. Together, they aim to reduce stigma, expand access to knowledge, and promote wellness across generations.

For more information about event times, registration, or other inquiries, please contact Nurture, Inc. founder and director, Crystal Mullen Johnson cmullenj@nurturebham.com or contact the Negro Southern League Museum at 205-581-3040.