G Herbo recently unveiled his newly launched non-profit organization, Swervin’ Through Stress, designed to create a safe space for Black people to talk about mental health.
As G Herbo explained to Billboard, in a recent interview, he noted that in communities of color, mental health is not prioritized. With Swervin’ Through Stress, the Humble Beast rapper hopes to increase mental health awareness and resources for those in need.
“Our community doesn’t talk about mental health enough,” he said. “With Swervin’ Through Stress, I really wanted to create a space where it’s OK for us to talk about what we’re going through.”
He added: “A lot of us can relate to each other’s struggles.”
This Saturday (May 20), Herbo’s non-profit will host a Black Joy Ride in collaboration with Social Works. Taking place in Chicago, the joy ride will start and end at the Harold Washington Cultural Center.
The next day, on Sunday (May 21), Swervin’ Through Stress, in partnership with Free Root Operations’ Bloom Program, will serve women survivors of gun violence. Activities on the agenda include spa visits, breathing clinics, and other wellness activities.
Herbo shared an the news about the organization and his recent Billboard interview on Wednesday (May 17) via Instagram.
In recent years, the rapper has been open about his struggles with mental health. Ahead of the release of his PTSD album in 2020, he spoke with HipHopDX about his experiences.
During the conversation, the rapper recalled when he had his moment of clarity about PTSD’s effects. He also shared how he used his newfound clarity for his album.
In 2018, G Herbo (real name Herbert Randall Wright III) was arrested along with two other men when their limousine driver called the police on them for being in possession of guns. Police stated the weapon in Herbo’s possession was a Fabrique National.
He was arrested for having one bullet in the chamber and 30 in the magazine of the weapon, which resulted in the arrest. At first, Herb was hesitant about speaking with a therapist but ultimately, he found it useful.
“To be honest, I wasn’t familiar with going to share my problems with somebody so I already didn’t think it was something that I would want to do,” he said at the time. “That was probably my first introduction to me embracing my PTSD, but we’re so immune to a lot of this stuff that go on in the inner city with like violence, going to jail and all that kind of shit.”
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