NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State University head football coach Michael Vick will headline the African American Male Wellness Agency's (AAMWA) Real Men Real Talk Summit on Thursday, July 16, in Columbus, Ohio. The free event will be held at East High School from 5-9 p.m., with doors opening at 4:30 p.m.

The summit brings together community leaders, mental health professionals and mentors for candid conversations about mental health, leadership, resilience and personal growth among Black men, with a particular focus on engaging student-athletes from high schools, colleges and universities across Central Ohio.

Vick's appearance continues his commitment to mentorship and community engagement beyond Shootout Stadium, extending the same message of accountability and perseverance that has shaped his approach with the Spartans since taking over the program.

"I'm honored to join the Real Men Real Talk Summit," Vick said. "The African American Male Wellness Agency provides spaces where Black men can have real conversations about leadership, mental health and growth. I want every man who's carrying something in silence to join us."

Vick's own journey — from one of the most electrifying players in NFL history to rebuilding his life, career and now shaping young men at NSU — offers a firsthand perspective on resilience that resonates well beyond the football field.

"My hope is that every man who attends leaves knowing that no matter where you've been, your story isn't over," Vick said.

Real Men Real Talk has grown into one of Central Ohio's leading initiatives focused on the mental health and well-being of Black men, drawing more than 3,500 attendees across Franklin County in 2025 alone and connecting more than 120 men with continued mental health care.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Columbus, AAMWA is a national nonprofit committed to eliminating preventable health disparities affecting Black men and their families, having delivered health screenings to more than 100,000 individuals across 20 cities nationwide.