As of 2022, Black male physical therapists comprised only 2% of the profession nationwide. This author, a DPT and accomplished educator, digs deep to find the reasons why. One main source in his research—and a crucial one going forward—is the personal voices of Black male students and practitioners. This poignant article details the daily challenges men of color deal with in the profession; the author offers his own recommendations to ensure change.

This author was diagnosed with bipolar I disorder when young. His poignant account here describes two major breakthroughs in his life that changed it forever. The first was the gift of an electric guitar. The second was meeting Stella—the companion who offered him unconditional love, and shared communication through his music. His heartfelt account demonstrates how you can find a way forward when you “believe in yourself the way those who love you the most see you.” He offers a touching musical tribute, called Grief, to mark Stella’s passing.