Dr. Cartman is a father, son, brother, uncle, thinker, writer, therapist, photographer, drummer, and grassroots mental health advocate. He is a Chicago native, where his cultural and educational foundations were cultivated by several African-centered institutions. He received his undergraduate degree from Hampton University and a Ph.D in clinical & community psychology from Georgia State University.  His recent work includes being a trauma focused clinician, restorative justice coach and program evaluator with H.E.LP., LLC (Healing Empowering and Learning Professions). Dr. Cartman has served as a professor of psychology at Georgia State University and the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies at Northeastern University.  Dr. Cartman recently created a male rites of passage curriculum called MANifest that is being implemented in juvenile detention centers, schools and in private community settings. Dr. Cartman is the former program director for Real Men Charities, Inc. where for 3 years he facilitated weekly men's wellness and African drumming circles and was the associate editor of the South Side Drive magazine.  Dr. Cartman is the current President of the Chicago Association of Black Psychologists and curator of a directory of Black mental health providers. As a consultant Dr. Cartman facilitates trainings for adults and workshops with youth about maintaining good mental health, critical analysis of hip-hop and media, racial and cultural identity, developing authentic manhood, and healthy relationships.

 

Dr.Cartman’s first book is called “Lady’s Man: Conversations for Young Black Men about Manhood and Relationships." It is a critical thinking guide that addresses historical trauma, hip hop, emotional intelligence, intimacy, communication, power, purpose and a variety of other topics. Its conversational tone makes it an easy and enjoyable read for young men.  It has been received with great critical acclaim:  ".Cornel West referred to him as ..one of the wise and visionary writers of his generation". The book is called "...penetrating, poignant and personal..." by Na'im Akbar, and an "instant classic" by Jessica Care Mooore. Jawanza Kunjufu says is does a "brilliant job in empowering Black males to reach their full potential". The book is a tool for families, teachers, mentors, and coaches to help young men think critically, and build character, discover their purpose, love themselves and each other, communicate with clarity and intention, understand the need for proper education, relate to women with integrity, express their emotions, understand their place in history, develop healthy coping strategies, and learn how to build a world where all people are truly free.