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Introducing the First Annual Black Men's Retreat: A Journey to Wellness in Roatan, Honduras

It is with deep excitement and honor that I invite you to the first annual Black Men's Retreat, a sacred space dedicated to healing, restoration, and connection. This transformative experience is designed to support Black men in caring for their mental and physical health within a community of understanding and encouragement.
 

Hosted on the serene island of Roatan, Honduras, this retreat offers more than breathtaking beauty—it is a sanctuary where the rhythms of nature meet the power of introspection. Amid turquoise waters and lush landscapes, participants will find the freedom to release, reflect, and renew. Together, we will build resilience, strengthen bonds, and create a vision for thriving, not just surviving.

This is more than a retreat—it is a journey toward wholeness, rooted in the belief that every man deserves a life of peace, strength, and well-being.

 

Retreat Highlights: A Journey Toward Healing and Renewal
 

Healing Workshops and Shared Conversations: Immerse yourself in supportive sessions led by experienced therapists, creating a space to address the unique challenges Black men face and to find strength in shared understanding.
 

Wellness Through Movement: Reconnect with your body through guided fitness, yoga, and outdoor adventures that nurture physical vitality and inner balance.

Cultural Empowerment and Connection: Build meaningful bonds with other Black men, celebrating the richness of shared experiences and cultural identity in a setting that honors your journey.
 

Moments of Peace and Reflection: Embrace the tranquil beauty of Roatan with opportunities for meditation, mindfulness, and personal renewal in a serene, healing environment.

This retreat is an invitation to pause, breathe, and realign with what matters most: your well-being, your joy, and your vision for the future.
 

Why Wellness Matters for Black Men

Black men carry unique burdens—stressors rooted in systemic racism, economic inequities, and cultural expectations—that can weigh heavily on their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These challenges often go unseen and unspoken, yet their impact is profound, creating ripples that touch every aspect of life. Wellness is more than self-care; it is an act of resistance and renewal. By prioritizing their well-being, Black men not only nurture their own health but also fortify the strength and resilience of their families and communities. Wellness is the foundation for breaking cycles of stress and reclaiming joy, peace, and purpose.

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Isoke Baptiste Bio: 

Isoke Baptiste founded The Wellness Garden three years ago as a sanctuary born from her personal journey of healing and her heartfelt desire to guide others on their paths to wellness. With dual board certifications as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Isoke's professional journey began in 2012 as a Clinical Vascular Nurse at The George Washington University. There, she earned a Master of Science in Nursing with academic honors. Her dedication was recognized with the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Traineeship Award for two consecutive years during her graduate studies. She later added a Graduate Certificate in Psychiatric Nursing from Liberty University, also achieving academic honors.

Through her diverse experiences in vascular care, primary medicine, women’s health, and psychiatry, Isoke discovered her true calling in mental health and advocacy. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as a Nurse Practitioner consultant for the DC Department of Disability Services, championing patients’ rights to quality care. These experiences deepened her understanding of the systemic barriers that shape individual well-being and inspired her commitment to equitable, personalized care.

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Isoke's approach to mental health reflects her belief that healing requires addressing the stories we carry and the systems that influence our lives. She is a constant gardener—of both plants and people—nurturing growth, resilience, and hope. With a voice of calm assurance, she reminds her patients of their worthiness and offers compassionate support through candid, collaborative dialogue.

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Beyond her professional life, Isoke finds joy in simple, grounding moments: walking with her loyal dog, Teigen, sharing laughter with her daughter Ava, or tending to her lush garden, where she cultivates physical, spiritual, and emotional growth.

Isoke is deeply committed to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community. Her decade-long career has included roles in direct care, advocacy, and leadership, giving her unique insight into the challenges faced by underserved populations. She bridges these gaps through culturally competent practices and individualized care, ensuring that every person feels seen, heard, and supported on their journey to healing.

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Isoke’s work is a testament to her unwavering belief that healing is a shared experience, grounded in humanity and nourished by the seeds of understanding and care.

 

Antoine Trowers Bio:

 

Antoine Trowers is the visionary founder of Ubuntu Center for Wellness, a sanctuary for mental health and healing located in Prince George's County, Maryland. This pioneering organization is dedicated to serving disenfranchised and vulnerable populations, offering them the support and care they need to thrive.

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Antoine's journey to founding Ubuntu Center for Wellness began with a deep commitment to social services. He honed his skills and expanded his impact while working at various agencies and non-profits in Washington, D.C., where his focus was always on uplifting those in need. His path led him to the District of Columbia Public Schools, where he joined the Office of Early Childhood Education. It was here that Antoine forged vital relationships with fellow social workers and gained invaluable experience. Encouraged by mentors who recognized his potential, Antoine pursued further education, enrolling in Howard University’s esteemed School of Social Work. There, he deepened his understanding of social justice, advocacy, and the therapeutic process, building a strong foundation for his future work.

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Equipped with this knowledge, Antoine made a profound impact within the DCPS school system, working with children and families. He facilitated group therapy sessions for parents, particularly fathers, and provided direct support to children through the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) model. His work touched countless lives, helping to strengthen family bonds and foster healthier communities.

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As Antoine continued his professional journey, he further developed his expertise in working with children and adults grappling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. His passion for the therapeutic process and his dedication to building meaningful clinical relationships with clients became the cornerstone of his career. It was during this time that Antoine realized his true calling: to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health and to bring healing and hope to underserved communities.

A pivotal moment in Antoine's life came during his studies at Howard University when he had the opportunity to travel to Cape Town, South Africa, for a study abroad program. There, he was introduced to the concept of "Ubuntu," a philosophy that translates to "I am because we are." This profound idea resonated deeply with Antoine, becoming the guiding principle of his life and work. Through the Ubuntu Center for Wellness, Antoine is committed to making a lasting impact on the world, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu in every aspect of his practice.

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However, Antoine's most important accomplishment is not found in his professional achievements, but in his relationship with his children. Raising them has been a journey of deep personal healing, allowing Antoine to nurture and mend his own wounded inner child. The love and connection he shares with his children have brought him unparalleled joy and fulfillment, grounding his life's work in the purest form of love and healing.