Overview:
King Shakur, a creative from Dallas, has created a symposium titled "He Gon' Cry in the Car" that uses poetry, music, visual art, and storytelling to address mental and emotional well-being in Black communities. The event, which has been held in Fort Worth and Dallas, aims to create a safe space for Black men to express their emotions and address mental health issues. Shakur also emphasizes the importance of holding institutions accountable for inequities in access to care and meeting people where they are. The symposium has expanded beyond its local roots, bringing the conversation to other cities.
A Safe Space on Four Wheels
For King Shakur, the phrase “He Gon’ Cry in the Car” is more than a title. Or a line from the movie “Friday.”
It is a cultural truth.
“What started out as a phrase of levity,” Shakur said, “is really something that’s near and dear to our soul.”
Drawing inspiration from film and everyday life, the Dallas-based creative explained how the idea came to him while writing poetry. What seemed like a lighthearted reference quickly revealed something deeper about Black men and vulnerability.
“Our cars are our sanctuary,” he said. “They’re our safe place. We get behind windows where we’re totally at home with ourselves.”
In a society where emotional expression is often discouraged for Black men, Shakur said the car becomes one of the few places where honesty can exist without judgment. It is where conversations with self, with God and with unspoken pain begin.
Reframing Health in Minority Communities
As Minority Health Month calls attention to disparities in physical health, Shakur is intentional about expanding the conversation to include mental and emotional well-being.
“Honestly, that’s why I created my event,” he said. “It starts with the arts. That’s how we weave it in.”
Through poetry, music, visual art and storytelling, his Fort Worth and Dallas symposium entitled “He Gon’ Cry in the Car” creates an entry point for conversations that might otherwise feel intimidating or inaccessible.
Shakur emphasized that not everyone feels comfortable walking into a therapist’s office, but many are willing to pick up a pen, dance or reflect creatively.
“It could be a quote or a question you may not feel comfortable answering out loud,” he said. “But you might feel comfortable writing about it.”
The symposium experienced its inaugural year in Fort Worth and its fourth in Dallas. The Dock Bookshop hosted the event of February 21 while the South Dallas Cultural Center held theirs on February 28.
Shakur also pointed to culturally familiar spaces like barbershops and beauty salons as critical sites for dialogue, where trust already exists and conversations can unfold organically.
“We have to start with grace,” Shakur said. “We can’t assume everybody is in the same place when it comes to dealing with our mental and social emotional health.”
Holding Systems and Ourselves Accountable
While community conversations are essential, Shakur made clear that institutions must also be held accountable for inequities in access to care.
“If you are a county organization and you receive funding, you are responsible for me as a citizen,” he said. “I need to know when and where services are being offered.”
He challenged organizations to go beyond passive outreach methods and meet people where they are, whether that means connecting through schools, sports programs or neighborhood networks.
At the same time, Shakur emphasized personal responsibility within the collective.
“If I hold this organization accountable, I’ve got to hold myself accountable too,” he said. “We are directly or indirectly responsible for each other.”
That philosophy extends beyond mental health into everyday life, reinforcing the idea that community care is not optional but necessary.
Rooted in South Dallas, Growing Nationwide
A proud South Dallas native, Shakur has expanded “He Gon’ Cry in the Car” beyond its local roots, bringing the symposium to cities like Fort Worth and Columbia, South Carolina.
“It was exciting,” he said of the expansion. “To have partners who allowed me to grow this and reach more people.”
Still, his commitment to Dallas remains central. From serving on local boards to investing in small Black-owned businesses through his events, Shakur ensures that the work pours back into the community that shaped him.
“We’re creating cycles of support,” he said. “We’re putting the funds back into the community.”
Purpose Over Popularity
At the heart of Shakur’s work is a deeply personal motivation rooted in legacy and service.
“I really believe in making my dash mean something,” he said, referring to the time between birth and death. “That’s the most important thing.”
Rather than seeking recognition, Shakur is focused on impact.
“I have no desire to be famous whatsoever,” he said. “I want to be effective, not famous.”
Through initiatives like poetry anthologies, free community events and even plans for mental health resource air fresheners for cars, Shakur continues to find innovative ways to meet people where they are.
A Call to Heal
As Minority Health Month begins, Shakur leaves Dallas Weekly readers with a message rooted in compassion and accountability:
“Love on yourself. Be intentional about your health. Have grace with yourself, knowing you can always start over,” he said. “Every day is a new revolution.”
He urges others to release the grip of pain and pursue something often overlooked.
“Why don’t we hold on to joy the same way we hold on to pain?” he said. “Make joy your destination.”
Shakur’s call is simple but urgent. In a world where disparities persist and silence can be deadly, healing begins with intention.
“You are worth it,” he said. “Just learn to love on you.”