An Annual Celebration of Mental Health Awareness!
On October 10th, the room at the DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte was filled with hope, inspiration, and an undeniable sense of community as we gathered to celebrate World Mental Health Day. The event was more than just a gathering—it was a powerful testament to the importance of mental health and the strength we all share in coming together to acknowledge that Mental Health is a Universal Human Right.
The Poets: Strength and Inspiration We were blessed to witness extraordinary performances by some of the most talented spoken word artists in the country. Shane Manier, El’Ja Bowens, and Lady V Poetry left the audience in awe with their profound and passionate words. Their performances were nothing short of outstanding—delivering powerful messages that resonated deeply with every listener. The caliber of poets that took the stage was truly remarkable, showcasing artistry that both inspired and empowered.
- Shane Manier not only gave a powerful performance but also continues to uplift communities through her non-profit, Guerrilla Poets, and the National Poetry Month Summit. Her ability to blend art with activism has made her a voice for the unheard.
- El’Ja Bowens, a seasoned slam champion, once again showed why he is a recognized force in the poetry world, delivering a spoken word performance that electrified the crowd.
- Lady V Poetry gave a performance filled with raw emotion, reminding us of the resilience we can find in the face of life’s challenges.
Dr. Patricia Cruz, LCSW: Bridging the Gap Between Art and Clinical Care Adding depth and perspective to the evening, Dr. Patricia Cruz from The River Wellness provided a professional and clinical perspective on mental health. Her presentation seamlessly tied the event together, offering insights into the importance of recognizing mental health as a universal human right. Dr. Cruz not only explained the various services available to those in need but also emphasized how individuals can gain access to these essential services. Her words made it clear that mental health care is not a luxury but a necessity for everyone, and she empowered attendees to take actionable steps in improving their mental well-being.
A Heartfelt Thank You This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners. We want to extend our deepest thanks to:
- 105.3 R&B for amplifying our message and spreading awareness.
- Bojangles and Quention Roberson, for sponsoring the event and standing with us to support mental health initiatives.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Charlotte, for providing the perfect venue for such an important occasion.
- The River Wellness LLC for their sponsorship and the invaluable insights shared by Dr. Patricia Cruz.
- Purely Kneaded Bodyworks, for offering free therapeutic massages to help attendees relax and rejuvenate.
- YIP Fitness, for their dedication to community health and wellness.
- Mickel Photography, for capturing the beautiful moments throughout the night.
- DJ Jonny Fresh, for keeping the energy alive with music that kept spirits high.
- Kathryn Kenard of Divine Synergy Solutions LLC, for ensuring everything ran smoothly behind the scenes.
- And of course, a special thank you to Rick Cruz LLC for coordinating and supporting the event in every way possible.
Finally, Mike Mike, our host and comedian, kept the night lighthearted and engaging. His humor and energy brought the event to life, making everyone feel at home and part of something special.
As we look forward to future events, we remain committed to spreading the message that mental health matters—and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone has access to the care they deserve. Thank you to all who attended, participated, and supported this cause. We can’t wait to see what’s next!
We look forward to seeing you all again soon!
#WorldMentalHealthDay #InspireOneBillion #MentalHealthMatters #PoetryForChange #CommunitySupport #CharlotteEvents
