Chance the Rapper, the renowned Chicago-based rapper, is actively working to bridge the gap in mental health care services in his hometown.
Through his nonprofit organization, SocialWorks, the 30-year-old artist recently seized the opportunity of Mental Health Awareness Month to raise awareness about the significance of initiatives like his own My State of Mind program.
Since its establishment in 2019, this program has successfully introduced nearly 3,000 distinct wellness programs tailored to meet the specific needs of different communities.
Chance the Rapper opens up about mental health struggles and emphatically underscores the necessity for more platforms like My State of Mind. “I’ve dealt with depression, anxiety, and various challenges,” he recently shared with reporters.
“While it may not be a simple solution, one thing that helps is being in the company of others and creating a supportive environment where peers can recognize when help is needed. Building my community and collaborating on common goals has been my focus in recent years, with aspirations encompassing equity, housing, education, civics, and more.”
In 2021, Chance candidly revealed his own mental health battles during a Facebook interview with actress Taraji P. Henson, describing the “dark days” he endured and how they served as inspiration for his commitment to improving the well-being of his community.
When asked about the added pressures Black men face to suppress their emotions, he expressed, “I think Black men are naturally guarded. Your weakness is preyed upon. So, I think it’s a defense mechanism.”
Reflecting on his teenage years, Chance recalled the traumatic experience of witnessing the loss of a friend. He remarked, “You become numb to it, but it lingers. Only later do you realize the lasting effects it can have.”
Driven by a profound desire for change in his hometown, the rap star pledged to donate $1 million to local mental health services through SocialWorks in 2019.
Additionally, he urges lawmakers to play an active role in bringing about the necessary changes. “While we are talented individuals, we are not the ones making the major decisions,” he expressed, acknowledging the growing number of celebrities advocating for mental health care. “We are not the ones writing the largest checks. Those things need to happen.”
Chance the Rapper’s unwavering commitment to destigmatizing mental health and ensuring access to quality care serves as an inspiration to both his fans and the wider community. Through his dedication and advocacy, he aims to create a lasting impact on the well-being of individuals in Chicago and beyond.