On The Summit’s Horizon: Minister Raphael Bosley
By Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer
The late Maya Angelou, renowned poet, author and civil rights activist said, “Every storm runs out of rain.” Raphael Bosley, affectionately known as “Tez” by family and close friends is a licensed mental health counselor, minister, motivational speaker and community organizer. He used this profound quote to describe his personal journey that included transitioning from Clarksville, Tennessee to Fort Wayne, Indiana.
In response to the need for a new environment, Bosley joined his uncle Rev. Cedric Cheatham in the Summit City who was pastoring New Horizon Baptist Church at the time. “My Uncle Cedric has always been intentional about speaking life into me. It didn’t matter what I may have been dealing with in that season, “Cheatham” encouraged me. I always admired the power of God’s anointing on his life and the opportunities to minister all over the country. God moved my uncle from Fort Wayne, but I needed to stay in the area for my own growth and development,” said Bosley.
Bosley enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College where he earned an associate degree in Human Services and can be found teaching in the same program as an adjunct professor. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services and a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling from Purdue University Fort Wayne.
One of Bosley’s early professional employment opportunities included serving as a JAG specialist targeting high school juniors and seniors within Fort Wayne Community Schools. JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) whose mission is to empower our nation’s young people with the skills and support to succeed in education, employment and life. (https://jag.org/meet-jag/)
Bosley later piloted an initiative between JAG and Ivy Tech to academically support former program participants who transition to community college after high school.
“Raphael Bosley is one of the most genuine people I’ve worked with. He has a heart of gold and will drop whatever he is doing to help you,” said Benny Clark, III graduation pathways director at Angola High School. Bosley and Clark worked together at Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne.
“JAG prepared me. I was responsible for helping students move from point A to point B and determine the next steps after high school. This experience helps me in the counseling space where a client is either in the beginning or middle of a transition,” said Bosley.
Bosley is currently on staff at Courageous Healing which is located at 2013 South Anthony Boulevard. “Raphael is a complete joy to work with. His ability to make complex issues very practical for clients, is unmatched. His clients laugh with him just as much as they cry with him. He is a blessing to so many!” said Aaron and Janell Lane, visionaries of Courageous Healing, Inc. Culturally Centered Mental Health Services.
“Aaron and Janell Lane are a living testament to reaping the fruits of obedience. The Lanes have established themselves as trusted clinicians in the Summit City where you cannot have a platform related to Mental Health in the African American community without Aaron and Janell at the table. They have been gracious in sharing the trials as well as the victories with me. God has favored me to develop around obedience and work amongst those who look like me. The ability to watch the project grow from an idea on a piece of paper is amazing,” said Bosley.
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. The month is observed with media, local events, and film screenings. Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 and was started by Mental Health America. When asked about the stigma surrounding African Americans and treatment for mental health and counseling/therapy in general, he shared the following:
We say the following regarding mental health and therapy………………………
“Faith and mental illness don’t go together.”
“I cannot afford counseling. The notion of therapy in place of something else. My child may go hungry.”
“There is the historical trauma of medically mishandling Black people.” I don’t trust White people. The White Counselor doesn’t get me.”
“As it relates to men-we believe what happens in the house stays in the house; no one can be trusted outside of the house.”
“Suppression is a sign of strength-if I can tolerate, I am mentally strong.”
“We are passing down bondage to a freedom that is available. Don’t allow the stigma to block us or keep us from what is available to everyone.” What isn’t transformed is transferred.”
Bosley is one who is regularly engaged in doing his own work. “I am a living and breathing testimony of therapy working. Doing the work has helped me be a better Husband to my wife Cherish, Father to Sydney and Cole, Minister, Friend and Clinician.”
When asked what is next for Raphael Bosley? “My goal is to help as many people as I can have a better existence. A better participation of their reality. My passion is to serve the community utilizing an expansion of the gifting God has placed inside of me, always blessing his people as a counselor, minister or as an educator. I look forward to working with schools, churches, corporations, not-for-profit organizations.”
“Raphael exemplifies professional leadership through his dedication to service and his profound impact on the community, inspiring others to contribute and make a difference,” said Joe McMichael, Vice Chancellor of Ivy+ Career Link and former supervisor.