G Herbo and Audiomack have teamed up to launch a mental health initiative for Black youth. “Swervin’ Through Stress: Tools to Help Black Youth Navigate Mental Wellness” will aim “to connect Black young adults with therapeutic resources that help inform and improve their mental health in pursuit of a better quality of life,” according to their mission statement.
“‘Swervin’ Through Stress’ is a project I put together to put 150 kids through therapy,” G Herbo told the Chicago Reader. “At their age, you never know how critical it can be to have someone to talk to — to have someone help you better yourself and your situation.”
The program will offer free 12-week therapy sessions to Black youth between the ages of 18 and 25. They are now accepting applications from those who would like to benefit from the services.
The Chicago-bred emcee has also teamed up with NAMI to create a hotline for anyone who needs to speak to a professional. The hotline is now operating Monday-Friday from 9 am-5 pm CST. You can also receive emergency help by texting NAMI to 741741.
“Everything I do comes from my life experience,” the PTSD rapper told the outlet. “I understood at an early age that even though my story is significant in its own way, other people could relate to it. But I was never motivated to be a voice or a key focal point until I recognized I actually became a product of it. That was a direct result of being in the streets, losing people close to me.”
Last week, he hosted a mental health panel with special guests City Girls, Saweetie, NLE Choppa, Wale and more. The event, which was moderated by psychiatrist Jessica Clemons, was held to get an in-depth look into how these entertainers navigate stress, mental health and generational trauma.
Check out G Herbo’s post below for more information.