SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – A Shreveport organization is using sneakers and steps to start a bigger conversation about mental health through hosting a community 5k Saturday, May 30.
The mental health 5K was about more than just crossing a finish line; it was about letting people know they’re not alone.
The walk was organized by the local chapter of the Association of Black Social Workers, led by its president, Dr. Antwan Butler, and event organizer Yolanda Adams. Together, they designed the event to encourage conversations about mental health and remind people they are not alone.
Some participants tracked between five and seven thousand steps during the walk, underscoring the physical effort many put in to support mental wellness.
Organizers said they wanted the community to see them as a visible resource.
“We wanted to let the community know that we are here, and we hoped the event would help someone get the encouragement to take one step forward,” said Dr. Butler.
The group emphasized the connection between physical and mental health, noting that when people aren’t feeling well physically, it can become even more difficult to cope emotionally and mentally. A spoken session during the event focused on recognizing signs of mental health struggles and how to connect physical well‑being with mental health.
The 5K also served as a resource fair. Vendors and community partners set up tables offering information and support for a range of needs:
- A police officer was on hand to share tools for families dealing with autism and disabilities, including special stickers that can be placed on vehicles or homes to alert officers so they can approach situations differently and more safely.
- Resources were available for community members and children in crisis, including connections to counseling and other support services.
- A sensory activities table gave participants—especially children and those with sensory needs—a calming, hands-on space during the event.
- Additional resources focused on addictions, including gambling and other unhealthy or compulsive habits, with information on where to turn for help.
Snacks and drinks were provided so walkers and families could refuel, gather, and continue conversations in a relaxed environment.
Dr. Butler and Yolanda Adams say this event is part of the Association of Black Social Workers’ broader mission to support mental wellness, especially in communities of color where mental health can still be a difficult topic to discuss.
They hope the walk—and the thousands of steps taken—will inspire more people to reach out for support and to prioritize both their physical and emotional well-being.
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