MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: Empowering Students Through Hip Hop and Healing
- Barry Victor Jr
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
The Miles Hall Foundation is happy to announce the launch of an innovative new program, Mental Health Matters, in partnership with Hip Hop For Change and Bridge Builders to the New Generation, with generous support from Kaiser Permanente Community Foundation. Together with these Bay Area organizations, we are creating a transformative space for young people to learn, grow, and express themselves. Starting April 7, 2025, this six-week program will provide middle school students at Antioch Middle School and Dallas Ranch Middle School with a unique space to build resilience and develop critical life skills—using the power of hip hop culture, social-emotional learning, and mindfulness.
A CREATIVE HEALING SPACE FOR ANTIOCH STUDENTS
This initiative is more than just an educational arts program—it’s an opportunity for students to explore self-expression, leadership, and stress management in a culturally and emotionally supportive environment. Hip Hop For Change, a nationally recognized nonprofit, is leading the program curriculum, bringing its expertise in using hip hop as a tool for empowerment and education.
Students will engage in hands-on workshops covering: 🎧 DJ’ing & Beat Making – Learning rhythm, sound, and music production. ✍️ Rap Songwriting – Developing storytelling skills through lyricism. 🎨 Graffiti Art – Exploring street art as a form of self-expression. 👕 Fashion Design – Understanding creativity through style. 💃 Breakdancing – Using movement and rhythm for self-expression. 🚀 Entrepreneurship & Leadership – Learning how creativity connects to business and leadership.
But beyond that, the program seamlessly integrates mental health and wellness lessons and experiences through: 🧘 Mindfulness & Stress Management – Techniques to help students focus and regulate emotions. 💬 Social-Emotional Learning – Building relationships and decision-making skills. 💡 Trauma-Informed Support – Creating a safe space for students navigating challenges.
WHY THIS PROGRAM MATTERS
We know that mental health is just as important as academic success, and middle school is a critical time for students to develop confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. Many young people—especially Black and Brown youth—lack access to culturally responsive mental health resources. By integrating hip hop, mental wellness, and leadership development, this program creates a safe, engaging space where students can thrive.
COMMUNITY BUILDING MAKES AN IMPACT
This program is made possible in part through a generous grant from Kaiser Permanente, but your support is always needed to ensure we can fully support these students and expand our reach to fulfill our mission.
Your generous support helps The Miles Hall Foundation: ✔️ Provide resources for students and families impacted by the criminalization of mental illness. ✔️ Expand non-police crisis response efforts like the 988 Crisis Helpline and A3: The Miles Hall Crisis Call Center. ✔️ Advocate for mental health equity and trauma-informed care for young people in our communities.
LOOKING AHEAD
At the end of the six-week program, students will present a final showcase—a celebration of their creativity, growth, and self-expression. Whether through music, art, or performance, this moment will highlight their journey of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment.
We are proud to partner with Hip Hop For Change and Bridge Builders to the New Generation to bring this vision to life. But we can’t do it alone.
Your continued generous support helps ensure that students continue to have access to culturally relevant mental health resources, creative expression, and community-based leadership learning opportunities.
Together, we can uplift communities, advocate for mental health equity, and create lasting change.
Sign up for our newsletter, to stay connected for updates and student stories as we launch Mental Health Matters in Middle School & Beyond.
Let’s build a future where every young person has the tools to thrive—mentally, emotionally, and creatively.
💚 YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS 💚
Want to support programs like this? Why not join us for our Miles in May: Love & Legacy Brunch on Saturday, May 10 Learn more and get your tickets or sponsorship opportunity here.
