Royce Da 5'9" aims to dispel myths about mental health with launch of new foundation, fans say 'this is important'
Grammy-award-winning rapper Royce 5'9" has announced The Ryan Montgomery Foundation which seeks to provide assistance to those in need of mental health care. It offers free care coordination to ensure access to quality mental health treatment.
Taking to his social media, the platinum-selling recording artist wrote "Thank you to @namimichigan @mindmatters_drmichele ... Hopefully, through my new foundation, we can change/save some lives🙏🏿 I want us to be better... #MentalHealthMatters #RyanMontgomeryFoundation" on Instagram, October 7.
According to Atlanta Business Journal, a press release shared that “The Ryan Montgomery Foundation’s mission is to empower underprivileged communities through advocacy, education and personal enrichment by implementing sustainable community programs that give individuals and families access to resources and opportunities needed to achieve their fullest potential.”
Royce noted, “As a person of color who has seen a therapist for many years now, I know how important it is to talk about your issues with an unbiased mental health care professional." The rapper added, “My people often think seeking a therapist is taboo. It’s my mission to dispel that myth and give light to those who believe there is no way out of the darkness.”
Fans on Instagram were very supportive of Royce's decision to start the initiative. "Legends actions speak in volumes..👽🛸🛸🛸," said a fan while another wrote, "Love to see it🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽" One fan said, "👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I love witnessing your evolution, Nickle! It’s amazing! Continue to bless others with your platform, sir!" Many called it the need of the hour with one saying: "Maaaaan......@royceda59 Bro, THIS is Soooooo IMPORTANT!! And on Time & on POINT! Thank YOU! 💯💪🏾💯"
"You the man Nickle! It’s things like this that can help change someone’s life," another fan said.
Over on Twitter, one fan shared, "Thank you for this @Royceda59 . It is important to get people to understand how to deal with mental health. People who haven't had to deal with it don't understand."
thank you for this @Royceda59 . It is important to get people to understand how to deal with mental health. People who haven't had to deal with it don't understand.
— Stephen Forgione (@Forgione_kenobi) October 8, 2020
For his first initiative, Royce is partnering with NAMI, Michigan (The National Alliance On Mental Illness), and CNS Healthcare, which are both based in his home city of Detroit. The Ryan Montgomery Foundation will announce the initiative and partnership with NAMI Michigan and CNS Healthcare in an upcoming press conference in Detroit on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Hart Plaza from 4 pm EST to 6 pm EST.
The news of the initiative comes just off the back of a recent announcement for a new podcast, featuring the rapper and Lupe Fiasco. Titled 'The Lupe & Royce Show', the podcast is scheduled to launch on October 8 on Apple and Spotify and was created via podcast network and virtual production studio SayWhat Media.