‘I Love Myself’
The impact mental health has on the Black community is one that dates back to slavery days and has gotten progressively worse over time as there was too little attention paid to that aspect of health. Recently, the concern for mental health has renewed focus as new laws and policies were created. Project Pit has found an enjoyable way to celebrate healthy mental health and opened the conversation for those who are struggling.
On May 19, Project Pit hosted its second annual "I Love Myself" Festival, which primarily focuses on mental wellness, aiming to break down negative stereotypes associated with mental health by celebrating healing, community, freedom of expression, support, and resource sharing. "It was amazing being able to do it again and better this time around. It was an amazing opportunity for the city to come together and celebrate one another." Carlton Roberts, the founder of Project Pit, talked about the importance of unity on topics like mental health.
Roberts also experienced a decline in his mental health as life struggles started, " I hit rock bottom and was in a suicidal, depressive state, and my girl at the time supported me through that time and advised me to seek help." Roberts said, describing what his process back to a healthy and stable mental space was for him. " I started with professional help, then that led to community help, which then led to Project Pit."
Project Pit was created for the sole purpose of creating a social experience around social impact issues for the community to gather and participate in. The festival honored many people for inspiring and invoking change including, Angela White, aka Blac Chyna (entrepreneur and TV personality), Pretty Vee (comedian and actress), Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, Blavity, Stephanie Ike Okafor (pastor and podcast host), and Scottie (founder and CEO of SBRBN Media), with performances by RAMMY Award-nominated multi-platinum R&B singer and songwriter Mario and a guided meditation led by chart-topping multi platinum-selling artist Omarion.
Scottie, a South L.A. native, has used his social media page to start conversations centered around bridging the different cultures in LA together. "The original idea of starting the page was to change the narrative of what people consumed from mainstream social platforms." Scottie referred to the trap lifestyle that's being heavily promoted to the Black community. " I grew up in the inner-city, so I didn't want to stray too far from the culture because Black culture and hip-hop culture still move the world, but I realized there is a much healthier way of doing it."
Scottie's social media page has been successful as it brings L.A. natives and transplants together to interact on a platform that is welcoming to everybody, whether it's cultural, ethnic, or environmental. While reflecting on his journey to success, Scottie admitted that his mental health did suffer along the way.
"At this moment, I am dealing with questionable low self-confidence because I don't give myself credit for building a meaningful platform that is stamped in present L.A. culture," Scottie said as he spoke about taking his time in accepting and feeling worthy of his achievements. " That voice in your head sometimes makes you question yourself and leads to you doubting yourself or downplaying your blessings." You can learn more about Scottie and his social platform by following the page @SBRBN on all platforms.
Roberts wants everybody to know you are not alone in your fight and struggles. Understanding that you need help and seeking it is a power move that will benefit you in the long haul, regardless of what you or anybody else tells you.
