Why The Black Parachute

Our Story

The Black Parachute was created from a simple belief: Black men deserve spaces to reflect, heal, and grow before reaching a point of crisis. What began as a guided journal rooted in personal reflection has grown into a nonprofit organization connecting Black men with culturally responsive tools, community experiences, and opportunities to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being.

A smiling man with glasses and a brown sweater sitting at a table, holding a book titled 'the black parachute' by Joël Cacou.

JoshUA S. Cobb

Joshua S. Cobb is a three-time Midwest Emmy Award-winning storyteller, communications professional, and founder of The Black Parachute, a Saint Paul-based nonprofit focused on creating opportunities for Black men to reflect, heal, connect, and prioritize their mental and emotional well-being.

Cobb created “The Black Parachute: a Black Man’s Guided Journal for Reflection, Healing & Self-Discovery”, a 365-day guided journal shaped by his own experiences with journaling, mental health, and emotional reflection. Since its 2026 launch, The Black Parachute has distributed more than 1,500 journals free of charge while expanding its work through community activations, guided journaling experiences, wellness programming, and partnerships across Minnesota.

His professional background spans television news, digital media, and public-sector communications, with work appearing on platforms including CNN, FOX 9, KSTP-TV 5 Eyewitness News, Black News Channel, Insight News, Minnesota Public Radio, and the City of Saint Paul.

The Black Parachute Founder and Executive Director

Board of Directors

Our Community Partners

Our work is made possible through the support, collaboration, and shared commitment of partners who believe in the well-being of Black men.

Title sponsors

nami minnesota

minnesota state arts board

community sponsors

SAVING SPACE NONPROFIT

HEALTHY BLACK FATHERS & HEALTHY BLACK PREGNANCIES

HUE-MAN PARTNERSHIP

BIRTH EQUITY COMMUNITY COUNCIL

ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

BOMJA

A group of four friends taking a selfie outdoors. Three women and one man smiling at the camera, with a grassy area and a build of people sitting at tables in the background.

The Black Parachute works alongside community organizations, schools, health and wellness partners, nonprofits, and other institutions committed to supporting Black men and their well-being.

Whether you're interested in journal distribution, community programming, event collaboration, or another partnership opportunity, we'd love to hear from you.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

PARTNER WITH US

Submit the inquiry form to demonstrate interest, and a program specialist will respond promptly to discuss how tailored solutions can advance your organizational objectives.