Honoring the life of Lt. Julian H. Brown III
Guest Contributor: Candace Torain, Vice President of Maximus Infinity Services (MIS)
Maximus Infinity Services (MIS) was founded in honor of Lt. Julian H. Brown III, a beloved family member who died by suicide in August 2023. Inspired by his legacy, MIS is dedicated to promoting mental wellness, suicide prevention, and STEAM education, with a mission to provide resources, advocacy, and support for individuals and communities in need. Our mission is to prioritize mental health, foster open conversations, and empower individuals through education and innovation. Our vision is to create a world where mental wellness is embraced, support is accessible, and no one has to struggle in silence. Through outreach, partnerships, and initiatives like The Sunshine Brunch, MIS strives to be a beacon of hope, healing, and progress.
What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you?
Black Mental Wellness means creating a world where we are seen, heard, and valued—a world where we are safe in a society not designed for our success. It is the ability to navigate life with the support of community and access to resources that foster healing, growth, and self-preservation. Black Mental Wellness is about being afforded the same grace to simply be—without the constant expectation to endure, to be strong, or to bear the weight of generational and systemic trauma. It is about redefining resilience, not as a necessity for survival, but as a choice within a life that allows for softness, rest, and joy. It is a world where Black women can express themselves without being labeled angry or difficult, where their voices are not only heard but honored. It is a space where Black men can be vulnerable without judgment, where they can feel deeply without their humanity being questioned. At Maximus Infinity Services (MIS), Black Mental Wellness means liberation—the freedom to exist, heal, and thrive without compromise. It is the promise of a future where well-being is a right, not a privilege, and where our communities flourish in mind, body, and spirit.
How do you promote change and well-being in the Black community?
At Maximus Infinity Services (MIS), we're in the infancy stages of building our foundation, having just been established in the fall of 2024. Our focus is on promoting change and well-being in the Black community by fostering connection and giving back. We've served as volunteers, supported local events, and are in the process of creating our own initiatives to uplift the community. Through partnerships, we aim to provide mental wellness resources and advocate for a world where everyone has the opportunity to heal and thrive. Our work centers on building community, breaking mental health stigmas, and empowering individuals with the support they need to grow and succeed.
What are some upcoming events you are leading, that promote mental health and wellness, that you would like for our Black Mental Wellness audience to know about?
We have several upcoming events promoting mental wellness in the Black community. On April 23rd, 2025, we’re partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for the Out of the Darkness Walk at Bowie State University to raise awareness and provide resources. On May 17th, we’re hosting The Sunshine Brunch in Baltimore, MD, creating a space for connection, healing, and support through speakers with lived experiences and mental health resources. In June, we’ll hold a Men’s Mental Health Month event in the DMV area, fostering open dialogue and vulnerability for Black men. This fall, our Adult Fall Field Day will offer adults the chance to experience the childlike joy and freedom that comes with play while also connecting with mental health resources. These events are part of our ongoing effort to provide support, promote healing, and create accessible resources for mental wellness in the Black community.
Tell us about your educational and/or professional training, and current area of expertise related to mental health and wellness?
At MIS, our dedicated board brings a wealth of expertise in mental health and wellness. We have a licensed social worker with six years of experience actively involved in event planning and execution, along with team members certified in Mental Health First Aid for youth and adults. With over 15 years of combined experience in the PRP (Personal Recovery Plan) field, we provide personalized support and recovery strategies. Our lived experiences further deepen our understanding of the challenges faced by our community. Committed to growth, we continuously seek training and certifications to ensure we offer the best resources and support possible.
What are some ways that you promote mental health and wellness through your area of expertise (yoga instructor, clergy, mental health professional, etc.)?
At MIS, we promote mental health and wellness through community engagement, which is at the heart of our mission and vision. Our focus is on creating spaces for connection, healing, and support within the Black community. We do this by leveraging social media to share resources and start important conversations about mental wellness, hosting community-based events like The Sunshine Brunch and partnering with organization for events like the Out of the Darkness Walk. Additionally, we volunteer at local organizations to provide hands-on support. By directly engaging with individuals and communities, we aim to uplift, empower, and create lasting change to promote mental health and well-being.
What are some things that we should know about your area of expertise?
At MIS, our expertise is deeply rooted in our unwavering commitment to the mental wellness of the Black community. Our desire to enhance our knowledge and skills in this field is driven by our love for our people and our passion to see them healed, whole, and thriving. While we have board members with professional experience, including licensed social work, Mental Health First Aid certifications, and experience in the PRP (Personal Recovery Plan) field, we believe that the best expertise goes beyond credentials. It’s about connecting with our community, listening to their needs, and continually seeking to grow through training and partnerships. We are dedicated to fostering healing by breaking the stigma around mental health, providing valuable resources, and offering support in ways that honor the unique experiences and challenges of the Black community. Our ongoing learning and development reflect our mission to empower, uplift, and promote lasting well-being.
How can we encourage more people to seek mental health treatment?
Encouraging more people to seek mental health treatment starts with creating a supportive, innovative environment where wellness is normalized. At MIS, we are aiming to bridge the gap between mental wellness and STEM/STEAM with creative approaches. One of our board members, P. Oliphant, introduced Practical Applications of Music Therapy and Mood Regulation, offering a fun, therapeutic way to engage with mental health. We’re also planning a sip and paint group art therapy session to help participants reflect and create self-portraits. These activities make mental health support accessible, enjoyable, and help break the stigma.
What are your recommendations for ending stigma in the Black community?
I believe to end the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community, we must begin by embracing grace and understanding, offering less judgment of others' circumstances, and allowing people the freedom to seek help without fear of being condemned. Life and society often weigh heavily on us, and in this cold, challenging world, we sometimes choose to be a thermometer rather than a thermostat—adapting to the unloving, misunderstood, and negative forces around us. However, I believe that breaking the stigma starts with self-accountability, with each of us choosing to change our own mindset. From there, we can encourage those closest to us to adopt a more open, supportive perspective, and in doing so, create a ripple effect that spreads throughout the community. By leading with compassion and understanding, we can transform the narrative around mental health and pave the way for healing and support.
What can potential participants expect during a community event?
At every community event hosted by MIS, people can expect a blast, a profound sense of hope, and an abundance of valuable mental health resources. While we’re not your mental health provider, we aim to serve as a trusted liaison, connecting you with the support and services you need.
Do you have an experience with seeking mental health treatment that you would like to share with the Black Mental Wellness audience?
Seeking mental health treatment is not foreign to me, nor is it something I feel ashamed of. In fact, I encourage everyone to seek mental health support, even when things are stable, as a way to sustain overall wellness—not just in times of darkness. Personally, I've faced my own struggles with tough days, and there came a time when I needed more than just support; I had to take a leave of absence to recalibrate and access the help I needed. It was one of the best decisions I ever made for my well-being. It not only allowed me to heal, but it also deepened my commitment to MIS, fueling my passion to foster community and uplift others.
What wellness strategies do you think should be given more attention within the Black community? Are there any reasons why you think they are not given more attention?
There are several wellness strategies that deserve more attention within the Black community—mindfulness, breathwork, and yoga among them. These practices offer profound benefits, from reducing stress to fostering emotional resilience, yet they are often met with hesitation. As a people, we have historically been cautious about embracing new things, especially those with cultural or spiritual origins outside our own. There’s an understandable hesitancy, a need to ensure that what we welcome into our lives aligns with our faith, traditions, and values. As a believer in Christ, I’ve learned to find—and even create—a balance. For example, when practicing yoga, I am intentional about setting the atmosphere. Instead of traditional meditation music, I play instrumental Christian worship—still soothing, still centering, but aligned with my spirit. It’s a reminder that wellness and faith are not at odds; they can coexist when approached with intention. Wellness in our community should not be limited by unfamiliarity. Instead, we can reclaim, reshape, and redefine these practices in ways that nourish both body and soul, ensuring that as we seek peace, we remain rooted in purpose.
Guest Contributor
Founded in the fall of 2024, Maximus Infinity Services (MIS) was established in honor of Lt. Julian H. Brown III, affectionately known as Maximus by his line brothers of Iota Mu Mu of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Rooted in his legacy of leadership, service, and resilience, MIS is dedicated to promoting mental wellness, fostering community connections, and advancing education within the Black community.
MIS exists to create safe spaces for open conversations, provide access to mental health resources, and empower individuals through service, advocacy, and education. We believe in building a future where mental health is prioritized, communities are uplifted, and individuals have the support they need to thrive. More than an organization, MIS is a movement for healing, strength, and change.
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