In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Eboni Queens of New Hampshire, hosts Stephanie Hawkins, Brenda Lett, and Devona Warner sit down with Samuel Polo Pierre—a multilingual entrepreneur, educator, and community leader—to discuss the intersection of mental health, masculinity, mentorship, and Black identity.

As a proud Haitian-Dominican and father of six, Samuel brings more than 20 years of wisdom from the classroom, the barbershop, and the mic. He opens up about navigating cultural divides, breaking the cycle of emotional suppression, and redefining what it means to show up with strength, faith, and vulnerability as a Black man in America.

In This Episode:

1. The unspoken pressures of masculinity in Black and Afro-Caribbean communities.

2. How childhood experiences shape emotional expression.

3. Why vulnerability is vital for healing and leadership.

4. The spiritual foundation behind Samuel’s mentorship style.

5. Healthy masculinity, brotherhood, and showing up for Black women.

6. Racism, colorism, and the need for representation in schools and leadership.

7. Generational wisdom: how to build lasting legacies in love, parenting, and purpose.

Guest Spotlight:

Samuel Polo Pierre is a high school teacher, entrepreneur, and Vice President of the Merrimack Valley NAACP. He owns a barbershop and salon in Lawrence, MA, and uses his platform to uplift youth, mentor future leaders, and champion community change.

Connect with Samuel:

1. Facebook: Samuel Polo Pierre

2. Instagram: @Pololorence

3. Merrimack Valley NAACP: naacpmerrimackvalley.org

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode—because mental health and anti-racism aren’t just talking points—they’re lifelines.

👸🏾👩🏽👧🏾👵🏿👩🏽‍🦰👩🏾‍🦱👱🏿‍♀️👸🏾

This podcast is hosted by Brenda Lett, Stephanie Hawkins and Devona Warner. The mission of Eboni Queens of New Hampshire podcast is to focus and bring awareness to mental health and racism. The podcast will be a steppingstone to have voices heard from a raw and authentic viewpoint. The hope and goal are to educate those who may have a misperception of racism and start conversations regarding mental health and racism within the African Descendant communities. Learn more about them by emailing them at EboniQueensofNH@outlook.com or follow them at https://nhblackwomenhealth.org/.

👸🏾👩🏽👧🏾👵🏿👩🏽‍🦰👩🏾‍🦱👱🏿‍♀️👸🏾

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of Eboni Queens of New Hampshire? If so, these ladies invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend. It may just be the thing they needed to hear today!

The Eboni Queens of New Hampshire intro, outro and transition music is named The Disco Frog by Rymdklang and was found on Epidemic Sounds.

Crackers In Soup is the podcast producer for this episode.

In the powerful Season 2 premiere of the Ebony Queens of New Hampshire podcast, co-hosts Stephanie Hawkins, Brenda Lett, and Devona Warner sit down with entrepreneur Shabar Bass for a raw, insightful, and emotionally resonant conversation.

Shabar shares his transformative journey from incarceration at 17 to becoming a successful business owner in real estate and e-commerce. He opens up about the mental health toll of the prison system, the generational trauma rooted in racism, and how his experiences shaped the way he fathers, leads, and gives back.

In this episode, we explore:

• The mental impact of incarceration on young Black men.

• How trauma and resilience shaped Shabar's leadership.

• The connection between systemic racism, mass incarceration, and slavery.

• Generational shifts in emotional expression and parenting.

• The psychological armor Black men wear—and how to crack it.

• Shabar’s thoughts on racism, gun violence, and mental health in today’s America.

• Why creating safe, honest conversations about Black men’s mental health matters more than ever.

June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, and this episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to understand how healing, history, and humanity intersect in the lives of Black men navigating systems not built for their success.

Mentioned:

1. The Autobiography of Malcolm X

2. Eyes on the Prize

3. Strangers from a Different Shore

Connect with Shabar Bass:

• LinkedIn

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode—because mental health and anti-racism aren’t just talking points—they’re lifelines.

👸🏾👩🏽👧🏾👵🏿👩🏽‍🦰👩🏾‍🦱👱🏿‍♀️👸🏾

This podcast is hosted by Brenda Lett, Stephanie Hawkins and Devona Warner. The mission of Eboni Queens of New Hampshire podcast is to focus and bring awareness to mental health and racism. The podcast will be a steppingstone to have voices heard from a raw and authentic viewpoint. The hope and goal are to educate those who may have a misperception of racism and start conversations regarding mental health and racism within the African Descendant communities. Learn more about them by emailing them at EboniQueensofNH@outlook.com or follow them at https://nhblackwomenhealth.org/.

👸🏾👩🏽👧🏾👵🏿👩🏽‍🦰👩🏾‍🦱👱🏿‍♀️👸🏾

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of Eboni Queens of New Hampshire? If so, these ladies invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend. It may just be the thing they needed to hear today!

The Eboni Queens of New Hampshire intro, outro and transition music is named The Disco Frog by Rymdklang and was found on Epidemic Sounds.

Crackers In Soup is the podcast producer for this episode.

As we close the curtain on this season of "Eboni Queens of NH," we want to express our deep gratitude for your unwavering support and engagement. Your commitment to our podcast has fueled our passion for discussing crucial topics around mental health, racism, and personal well-being.

In our final episode of the season, we delved into the importance of finding understanding and support in dealing with mental health challenges. We also emphasized the detrimental impact of bottling up feelings and the importance of trust when sharing personal or traumatic experiences.

Looking ahead, we are committed to amplifying the dialogue on mental health and racism. We plan to bring in male perspectives and delve into the intersection of mental health, racism, and substance abuse in the upcoming season. Our goal is to continue providing a platform for candid discussions and inviting guests to share their invaluable insights.

Join us as we also discuss:

• Mental health challenges

• Support system

• Balancing life

• Trusting relationships

• Racism conversations

• November election impact

• Juneteenth celebration

• Male perspectives,

• Podcast sponsors

• Self-care

• Mental well-being

• Gratitude

👸🏾👩🏽👧🏾👵🏿👩🏽‍🦰👩🏾‍🦱👱🏿‍♀️👸🏾

This podcast is hosted by Brenda Lett, Stephanie Hawkins and Devona Warner. The mission of Eboni Queens of New Hampshire podcast is to focus and bring awareness to mental health and racism. The podcast will be a steppingstone to have voices heard from a raw and authentic viewpoint. The hope and goal are to educate those who may have a misperception of racism and start conversations regarding mental health and racism within the African Descendant communities. Learn more about them by emailing them at EboniQueensofNH@outlook.com or follow them at https://nhblackwomenhealth.org/.

👸🏾👩🏽👧🏾👵🏿👩🏽‍🦰👩🏾‍🦱👱🏿‍♀️👸🏾

Have you been moved by what you heard in this week's episode of Eboni Queens of New Hampshire? If so, these ladies invite you to leave an honest review of how this episode impacted you. Also, share this podcast with a friend. It may just be the thing they needed to hear today!

The Eboni Queens of New Hampshire intro, outro and transition music is named The Disco Frog by Rymdklang and was found on Epidemic Sounds.

Crackers In Soup is the podcast producer for this episode.