Archie Green – Outstanding Young Adult

Suffering from depression most of his life, Archie Green realized he needed help. When a fraternity brother suggested he go to therapy, the healing began. Peel Dem Layers Back (PDLM) is the organization created out of Green’s pain and lived experiences dealing with mental illness.

Through PDLM, the musician, philanthropist and community leader, hopes to impact young Black men struggling with mental health; whether it’s caused by their environment, chemical imbalance, or trauma. Through the power of art and mentorship, PDLB seeks to “culturally educate, empower and equip Black men and boys with essential tools necessary to live a mentally healthy life through a hip-hop lens.”

With programs such as “Cope Dealer,” a 10-week comprehensive mental health awareness workshop designed to address areas of mental health impacting Black males, open mics/forums for anyone with a story or testimony, and his music, Green is changing the narrative of what it means to be a Black man.