Throughout Thursday, students from seven schools listened to candid discussions about understanding their own emotional needs.
Charlotte, North Carolina — Editor’s Note: The video above briefly touches on self-harm. Graphics are not shared, but viewer discretion is encouraged.
DJs with turntables and subwoofers blasted the latest hip-hop hits, making the atmosphere inside Rocky River High School’s gymnasium look like a party, though a message from the organizers was: It brought a heavy lesson for young people.
Charlotte-area radio personality and philanthropist Chewie Torres said: “There’s so much ahead for them, so it’s even more imperative to give back and show them that help is here.” Told.
For several years, Torres has toured the campuses of the Charlotte and Mecklenburg schools, often inviting up-and-coming artists, with the sole purpose of leaving important lessons for the students.
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Chewy’s guests on Thursday included Washington Commanders wide receiver and West Mecklenburg High School alum Dyami Brown, Atlanta-based R&B singer T-Royal, and Philadelphia-based rapper 2Rare. rice field. American Airlines senior communications his specialist Lexus Wilson was also a guest along with WCNC Charlotte anchor Fred Shropshire. The group shared personal stories focused on mental health and the importance of asking for help when you need it.
“I’ve battled depression, I’ve battled anxiety, and I’m just trying to give them hope, and if I can get through it, I think they will too,” Torres explained.
Speakers visited seven CMS campuses.
- Gallinger High School
- mallard creek high school
- rocky river high school
- Eastway Middle School
- butler high school
- independent high school
- olympic high school
The lesson was powerful for these students.
“Having people here who demonstrate mental health is a reminder that we are not alone,” said Kendra Morney, a senior at Mallard Creek.
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“It means a lot that they come from all the schools in Charlotte and take time out of their day to talk to us,” said Solomon Gallinger, a senior. Barker said.
“As a school, we all have to be together and be there for our classmates, so I feel that’s very important.
I was happy that the staff supported me.
“It’s important to see other celebrities and celebrities take pride in their metal health. It affects everyone,” Gallinger principal Reduane Pratt said.
Jennifer Dean, principal of Mallard Creek High School, agrees.
“People say our students can connect to talk about tough topics like mental health,” she said.
Contact Fred Shropshire: fred@wcnc.com and follow him Facebook, twitter When Instagram.
If you or a loved one is facing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, there is help readily available. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 988 or Chat with them online. North Carolina also has resources available here and in South Carolina Available here.