Samuel Simmons Consulting

Sam Simmons has over 34 years of experience as an alcohol and drug counselor and behavioral consultant. He focuses on practical and culturally sensitive methods that help with addiction, violence, and trauma, particularly aiming to improve the lives of African American men and their families.

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He created and led a specific program that engages African American men and boys to prevent violence against women and girls while encouraging healthy, nonviolent relationships. Sam is also a trainer for understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences in Minnesota and is certified to use the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI).

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In 2008, he started training sessions on historical trauma as part of a broader effort to create culturally sensitive projects. These projects seek to build partnerships that challenge systems creating barriers to healing and empowerment in communities of color, ultimately leading to healthier lives.

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Sam received the 2007 Kirby Puckett Legacy Award for increasing organ donation in the African American community from 29% to 75% in 2006 through his work with Life Source. In 2009, he was honored with the Governor’s Council on Faith and Community Service Initiatives Best Practices Award for his work with the MN Department of Veterans Outreach Services, especially in prison reentry and the African American community.

In 2014, Sam received the Minnesota Fathers & Families Network Excellence in Fatherhood Award for promoting fatherhood policy and practice in Minnesota. Later, he was awarded the 2016 Healing the Hidden Wounds of Racial Trauma Award and the Black Tear Drop Award for his leadership in culturally sensitive trauma-informed work across the nation. In 2017, he earned the Champions for Children Award for his dedication to improving children's lives in Minnesota. In 2018, the city of Minneapolis recognized him as a Public Health Hero for his innovative work in the community and the NFL honored him for his efforts to stop violence against women.

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In 2020, Sam helped organizations address challenges in recruiting and retaining African Americans and other staff of color and developing diverse, culturally sensitive practices. In 2024, he received the Minnesota Professional of the Year Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Minnesota for his outstanding work with Black men.

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Sam co-hosts the "Voices" radio show on KMOJ FM, discussing issues that affect urban communities. He is well-respected nationwide for his insights on African American historical trauma and for his successful Community Empowerment Through Black Men Healing Conference, noted as innovative and leading-edge. He also wrote "Just Sam: A Black Man's Journey to Healing," which explores trauma's impact on Black men and provides a pathway to healing and empowerment. Sam emphasizes, “A community is as strong as the information it’s given.”