Let’s Talk About Mental Health-UAES Event Review

The new wave in Chicago taking place is growing at such a fast rate it’s almost impossible to ignore. What makes this era so important is not that artists and community are both advocating for the same thing, which is resources for the south and west sides of our city. It’s the growing mentality that everyone can eat and receive the things they need if we work together. That we can conduct good business with each other and also achieve our goals together. These are goals that haven’t been a priority since even before the blog era. So the fact it’s taking place now is so important. Every artist that is contributing to this movement like Goalden Chyld, Recoechi and others are making sure that the community work is just as combined as the actual music itself. The point is to truly embrace what change could look like in our city and for our future. Again if you can’t see it then you might be the problem..

Healthy Hood stands as a pillar in the community because of the amazing advocacy they have to build with the commnunity for the better. Whether it’s some type of event for fitness, restorative justice, multimedia, or for overall spiritual growth and perseverance. Healthy Hood has been doing the work to bring all sides of Chicago together in the name of collaboration and unity. With that being said they have been inspiring so many in the world to join them in the journey to bring reparations to black and brown folks on the south and west sides of Chicago. This marvelous event about mental health is definitely their next chapter in doing that work..

The event began with the space being grounded and making sure that everyone was able to eat a plate of food as everyone settled in for the panel. Rev.Tanya Lozano Washington, chairwoman of Healthy Hood started the event off by inviting husband Chairman Allen, Afro_Cntrk, Mani Jurdan & other artists to perform and get the audience excited about what was about to come next. From there the panel began as questions about mental health, the state of food distribution, and other very important topics were discussed with Dion of “Dion’s Chicago Dream” the mayor of Chicago Brandon Johnson, and others amazing organizers. The entire space was cheering as each individual on the panel spoke on the things the city needs as we continue to unravel the troubling times we are in. At that point the panel concluded as a press conference began to speak more to the need for mental health advocacy and the mayor’s work towards it..

As the press conference began Mayor Johnson and others spoke on the several important mental health clinics reopening up that had been closed for years because of other mayor’s decisions to close them. The crowd roared with joy as each individual spoke on their dedication to making the city more safe and peaceful for the future. The ultimate takeaway from this event is that the topic of mental health is still a growing one as many are still not sure how to take up space surrounding it. As a people we must continue to advocate for ourselves as we keep fighting for resources our communities need. Take a look below for more photos from this amazing event..