Saturday, October 10th was World Mental Health Day. Fittingly, Radio Hall of Famer Charlamagne Tha God co-hosted the 6th Annual Mental Wealth Expo that day. The Breakfast Club co-host teamed up with wellness educator Devi Brown. The free event took place at NJIT’s Joel and Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center in Newark.
What We Know: The Mental Wealth Alliance and iHeartMedia’s Power 105.1 FM presented the all-ages event. Altogether, it drew thousands of attendees. Notably, this year’s expo shifted from basic awareness to direct action. For example, it featured live therapeutic workshops and access to free mental health professionals. Charlamagne has been highly candid about his own battles with panic attacks and anxiety. Throughout the day, he met fans and signed his bestselling book, Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me. In addition, the expo addressed generational trauma and daily anxiety. It also honored local mental healthcare trailblazers.
What They Said: “I congratulate you for choosing yourself and being here. Because if you’re in this room, that means you urge for more. You want more for yourself. You want to meet yourself on the other side and you’re looking for the tools to be better.” – Devi Brown addressing the attendees
“Sometimes taking care of yourself doesn’t mean quitting your job, it means going to therapy. Sometimes it means taking time off, having an uncomfortable conversation with somebody you love, or just admitting you need help. It means walking away sometimes from something that is no longer good for you.” – Charlamagne Tha God
What Remains Unclear: iHeartMedia broadcasts nationally. However, there is no confirmed schedule yet for a multi-city tour to other regions. So far, the expo has taken place in the New York metro area for all six years.
What It Means: Overall, mental health advocacy is moving from basic awareness to direct intervention. For instance, the Mental Wealth Alliance is committing over 10,000 hours of free therapy to underserved communities. That commitment aims to help people overcome financial barriers to care. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia, the nation’s largest audio company, is leveraging its vast platform to destigmatize mental health. By dedicating airtime, hosting events, and featuring prominent talent, the company is changing how people find and access public health resources.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
