Darrell Wade

Founder/Director

With 20-plus years of social work and community advocacy and enduring the deaths of several black males close to him from hypertension-induced cardiac conditions, these elements became catalysts for the development of what is now Black Men’s Wellness. Darrell seeks to leverage community knowledge, relationships, and locality to create a resource network of relationships for community-empowered education experiences to change health outcomes for Black men. He brings compassion, wit, wisdom, and fury to the complex journey of community healing, where we have the tools to create health on our terms.

Meet Our Facilatators

Our Black Men's Wellness Facilitators are all about uplifting and empowering our brothers. We understand the unique challenges Black men face, and we're here to tackle them head-on with a blend of cultural pride and holistic support. From mental health counseling and physical fitness programs to mentorship and community workshops, we’ve got your back. Join us in creating a space where Black men can thrive, rooted in our rich heritage and driven by a shared vision for wellness and success. Let's rise together!

Christopher Scott

  • After gaining valuable experience in the field, Christopher entered Portland State University, earning his master's Degree in Social Work. His area of expertise is working with juveniles, from early childhood to adolescence, in schools, outpatient treatment programs, residential treatment programs, and juvenile corrections. Christopher is most known for his Hip Hop Social Worker podcast, where he talks to other social workers and shares his “Why not me?” philosophy with listeners.

Joon Howard

  • Geoffrey ‘Joon’ Howard is Pacific Northwest O.G. Portland-born and raised; Joon brings over a decade of cross-fit coaching and whole-body fitness techniques. He also brings a wealth of knowledge concerning tinctures and specialty diets about health and wellness. Joon is an avid hiker, snowboarder, kayaker, and all-around outdoorsman. With his latest venture, Blacksmith Creative, Joon is set to make a meaningful impact on the culture. 

Duoshun Pledgure


  • Duoshun Pledgure is the chef/owner of Bearded Chef PDX, a food business specializing in small event catering and made-to-order meals. Duoshun learned to cook as an adolescent, taught by his mother and grandmother, preparing meals for his younger siblings while his mother worked. Necessity quickly revealed a gift and passion that translated into the dream of owning his own food business and making an impact in his community. 

    As a facilitator for The Black Men's Wellness Initiative, the "Bearded Chef" desires to raise awareness of the importance of nutritional health in the African American community by providing food demos, cooking classes, workshops, and culturally specific community events that will show African American men that they can still enjoy the foods they love in healthier ways.

Mike “Libretto” Jackson

  • Michael "Libretto" Jackson is the father of two and founder of Bretto Chisel Fitness. Throughout life's hardships, Libretto has discovered the key to mastering his body weight, managing his blood pressure, and maintaining the right mindset as he works toward personal health and wellness. Bretto Chisel Fitness was founded to motivate others to reach their individual goals mentally and physically. As a facilitator for Black Men's Wellness, Libretto plans to focus on health and wellness for African American males, teaching them the same principles and mindset he has learned and applied to his health and well-being.