NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Carlos Andrés Gómez says there’s a crisis facing young men in our communities and the numbers don’t lie: Suicide rates are up and graduation rates are down.

A former social worker and inner-city public school teach, Carlos is trying to turn things around.

In his book, “Man Up: Cracking The Code Of Modern Manhood,” he gets personal – and offers some insight on how we can all help.

The award winning poet and actor grew up the child of a United Nations diplomat and indigenous rights advocate – moving twelve times before graduating high school while living in four countries.

He has lectured and performed at more than 200 colleges and universities, given a dozen keynote addresses, and facilitated countless workshops. He continues to tour the globe.

For more, check out the full interview below. You can also visit ManUpMoment.org and carloslive.com.