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By Victor Piccini-Ventura
Twitter: @afroTakeover
Snapchat: @work-travtour
LinkedIn: Victor Piccini-Ventura
The Top Icon Community Center Fundraiser was an iconic creation by Allison Justice and Efrin Martinez, and their purpose is to create a wellness space for those in the mental health community to provide workshops, seminars and assist the community with any mental health issues they may have in or near the Queens area.
The energy within the event was very welcoming; it was a remnant of a cookout, with the added bonus of reconnection with one’s life purpose of helping the youth. The power of social media brought most individuals to the Top Icon Fundraiser with the unified desire to create a difference for our younger generation. Mental health is a very underrated and rarely discussed topic within the Black and Brown community. It isn’t talked about enough, and the stigma of mental health keeps the dialogue at a perpetual standstill. It's a stigma brought on by lack of access to affordable and reliable healthcare. There are many relatives amongst us that don’t trust doctors due to the multitude of narratives where the “professional” was everything but! “The positivity that comes with this type of program is much needed in the community.” said Akil Shomari.
With the increasing rates of school shootings and outward White Terroristic threats to vulnerable communities such as El Paso and Dayton, the conversation of rehabilitation for the victims and their families is much needed. PTSD for Black and Brown youth will be painstakingly important for our children. Their lives are at stake and after a threat occurs they aren’t the same.
Overall, the momentum brought on by these affairs drives a new generation interested in bettering themselves mentally. “In this current political climate, it’s paramount that we band together for the success of the next generation," said Shomari, a Hofstra alumna and an Attendee. "With white terrorism rampant, we need to build the infrastructure with the intent of taking care of our own, I look forward to the next event.”
Trauma causes generational curses among the Black and Brown community, generational curses can be fought and conquered with professional planning and help. The Top Icon Community Center can become a great resource for mental health for our future lawyers, doctors and entrepreneurs. The intent and vision of this event resonated with the guests, the fundraiser was both professional and friendly. “I’m enjoying the vibe and this event is a very necessary outlet,” said Gracious Melody Symone, An Alumna of Hampton U, and an attendee of the Fundraiser. A mix of great intentions and desires for change brought these professionals together and they got $800 closer to their goal. To donate to the cause you can click here.
About Victor Piccini-Ventura
Victor Piccini-Ventura is a senior at Stony Brook University, majoring in Africana studies and pre-Law, with pursuits to work in the Tech industry.