Help! Life comes at you fast and hard sometimes…

Let me be clear, to the grim reality, my son committed suicide with a gun!

Last year, on October 6, 2024, my family suffered a devastating blow. My beloved son, Ayize II, experienced a mental health crisis that he did not survive. At just 28 years old—on the cusp of finishing his final year of college—he was swept away in a moment of pain and passion that overwhelmed him.

Ayize was adventurous, brilliant, funny, and fiercely loved by many. Though he was known for being passionate and a bit impulsive, his light drew hundreds. At his homegoing, we expected 75 people… but nearly 300 showed up from across the country—and even across

continents.

Now, my son walks among the ancestors. And while my heart breaks, I know he would want his story to help others.

As a parent, this “blow” is unimaginable. But rather than fall into despair, I have chosen to fight—for our children, for our families, and for our future. God has placed a calling on my heart: spiritual warfare through education and action. And so, in Ayize ii’s name, I am launching the Mental Health Fire Drill series to engage in “real talk” about this crisis in our community that is the 3rd leading cause of death for Black men (for Ayize ii's, 15-34 age group).

The Mental Health Fire Drill project is a series of educational wellness tools and short videos designed to help children (ages 5–12) recognize emotional warning signs, learn self-regulation techniques, and develop mental fitness before a crisis hits. It’s not therapy—it’s prevention. It’s mental and spiritual preparedness.

Please consider helping us to help our community!