Ruben (RJ) Black Jr, a beautiful young man

I am doing this fundraiser for my dear friend and her family. Destiny Wisniewski unfortunately lost her 17 year-old son, Ruben Black, on June 16th to suicide. Yes, I’ve said it that bluntly because it has been devastating and heartbreaking to many of you who knew and loved Ruben Black. My daughter, Mia, and I included. When my father was dying, Ruben was an amazing support. Ruben helped me physically lift my dad and change his clothes. Ruben also helped me plant a garden and laid a beautiful brick path so that I can safely walk the garden without tripping due to my hip problems.

Ruben was an accomplished musician. He released an album, which in many of his songs, if you listen closely, you can hear his struggle and inner pain. Ruben was such a creative and talented artist. His drawings inspired him to create characters for a T-shirt line that he and his beautiful Mom developed together.

Ruben was not just an awesome friend but also a mentor to many of his friends, including my daughter, who he talked with so many times, helping her with her own depression.

Losing Ruben has been a tragedy and life changing event for many that were close to him because, albeit, although he suffered from depression, he always had a smile and a hug for the people he loved. This has made me think over the last 6 days as to why, why would he do that? I’m here to tell you that it wasn’t “ oppression” that took my amazing friend, it was “Depression“. I know for a fact, that if you have ever been clinically depressed, you will understand the horror that happens to the mind and there is no stopping it. There is nothing that will change it and you can’t think of anything else in that moment except for how bad you don’t want to wake up. This is what took our beloved friend, son, brother, cousin, artist and a beautiful soul. I have been quiet about what has been going on in our country but, people, we need to look further because so many of our young men and women are depressed and it gets missed so easily and there are always signs. I think we shrug off the reality that many young men in our country do struggle to become the men they dream of being because of the opportunities they don’t get based on where they grew up or because so many of them don’t have real Fathers in their lives to help them accomplish their own dreams. All I know is that God has a soldier looking over us now, who is out of pain; however, now I pray we can help his Mother and siblings by donating to this fundraiser in order to help with all the financial expenses that are in front of them. Some of these proceeds will go toward a Suicide Awareness organization that Destiny chooses, but for now we need to help her in anyway we can. The words, “I’m sorry”, help; however, now we need to help this lovely family financially by donating to this fundraiser so that Destiny can have time off of work to grieve her tremendous loss.

We thank you in advance for any financial support you can give. I know Ruben would be so grateful.

Love and care,

Melissa