Takari Helping Kids Because Mental Health Matters

My name is Takari Tatum, and I am 10 years old and in the 5th grade at Varner elementary school. My target teacher, Ms. Mendenhall, asked us to do a community service project. I decided to do a mental health project in honor of Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, 2 of my favorite athletes, who suffer from stress and anxiety, and all the students suffering from mental health issues due to Covid. I saw how many classmates’ personalities changed due to covid and being quarantined. I lost my grandfather last year, and I saw how that stressed my family. Also, I lost my aunt to Covid, and I saw how that affected my family, so I decided to make rubber band bracelets. Each person who wears my bracelet will honor mental health and know that mental health matters. When you feel anxiety or stress, “Snap It.” Snapping your bracelet reminds you to calm down and take a deep breath. So far, I have raised over $1200.00 for NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness.) I was the captain of the virtual NAMI walk on October 9th. I have passed out over 5,000 bracelets across the country. My bracelets can be found in Georgia. South Carolina. North Carolina, Virginia, New York, Washington D.C., Massachusetts, Mississippi, Wisconsin, Florida, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. I am now a national spokesperson for NAMI and featured in two newsletters. I went to the Georgia State Capitol Building and gave out my bracelets to state representatives. I have appeared in many events across Georgia, and I will be in Tampa, Florida July 8, to speak at the Black Nazarene Conference. I have truly been blessed to be able to spread the word about mental health. Mental health is real, and I would like to thank you for your support and for giving me a way to share my story. I want people to know that they are not alone and there is plenty of help for everyone. You can talk to a teacher, a family member, a counselor, or a friend. Remember to Snap it. I am available to speak and or pass out stress bracelets at your church or function.

Unfortunately, spreading the word about mental health is not free. Traveling to events, giving out snap-it bracelets, buying materials for the bracelet, setting up a 501c and purchasing additional giveaways do cost money. The funds will be used for these items, so I can ensure everyone keeps talking about mental health. Everyone who needs emotional support must have a way to get help. All the money I raise will go to NAMI, so they can continue the great work they do.