Healing, Hustle & Honesty: A Conversation with Samuel Polo Pierre

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.

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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 [e-mail] or follow them at https://nhblackwomenhealth.org/.

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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.