6LACK scored the biggest hit of his career this year with his Lil Tjay-assisted “Calling My Phone,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 on its way to going platinum. But the East Atlanta Love Letter crooner is well aware the last couple of years haven’t been kind to everyone — especially people of color.
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To coincide with Mental Health Day on Sunday (October 10), 6LACK announced a partnership with Mental Health America of Los Angeles and the global therapy service BetterHelp to provide mental health resources and information for Black communities.
As part of the initiative, 6LACK and BetterHelp are donating six months’ worth of therapy sessions to 50 BIPOC (black, indigenous, and other people of color) students in MHALA’s Transition-Age Youth Program, which helps young adults with mental health needs, as well as those who are homeless or on the brink of homelessness, integrate into society.
“The last few years have been pretty tough on the brain, heart, and spirit,” 6LACK wrote on Instagram on Monday (October 11), along with a video message announcing his mental health partnership. “I’m blessed enough to have access to mental health resources and a support system of friends and family, but I recognize that not everyone from my community is that fortunate.
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“I wanted to do my part to help create a support system for others to start their mental health journey, and so I’ve partnered with MHALA & BetterHelp to help destigmatize the conversation, and provide resources to those who need it most — our youth. Tap in and see if there’s anything that speaks to you, or for anyone you know.”
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According to Billboard, 6LACK is also advocating for fundamental change within the entertainment industry and hopes his shared experiences will inspire his music peers to take care of their mental health.
“I’ve always done check-ins with myself to see how I feel about myself, life, and the things around me,” 6LACK told Billboard. “I will say it wasn’t until recent, that I actually learned the importance of getting to the source of the things that don’t make me feel great.
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“I want to share my experiences and talk about the resources/things that helped me, in order to spark people to do the same for themselves. Sometimes support is all you need to take the first step, so I want my first step to encourage someone else’s first step.”
6LACK’s label, LVRN, has been leading the way on that front. Last year, they launched a mental health and wellness division dedicated to helping their artists and staff combat depression and anxiety in a high-stress, high-performing environment.
