I've been selected to write this letter in partnership and to raise awareness of the program RiseUp powered by Kids Help Phone. The RiseUp program is a free, 24/7 French and English wellness support service for Black youth across Canada. Black youth can obtain support by visiting KidsHelpPhone.ca/RISE or by texting RISE to 686868.

I've been selected to write this letter in partnership with RiseUp powered by Kids Help Phone, where African, Caribbean, and Black youth can get wellness support by visiting KidsHelpPhone.ca/RISE or texting RISE to 686868. I'm excited to be a part of this because my own kid is entering high school, so for me, it's as much a letter to him as it is to my past self. Young Black kids deserve to have the guidance of perspective and mentors. I believe I'm in a position to inspire and support by sharing my own experiences.

A letter to my younger self in partnership with RiseUp powered by Kids Help Phone to raise awareness of mental health issues in the Black youth population. If you're a Black youth in Canada who's feeling alone, in an active time of crisis, or who just wants someone to talk to, you can text RISE to 686868 to connect with a trained, volunteer crisis responder, at any time of day. Conversations are confidential, and no issue is too big or too small.