‘Reclaiming My Time’ song has become a suicide prevention anthem
Chirlane McCray, the wife of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, teamed up with Broadway’s Mykal Kilgore on Sunday for a message on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Kilgore’s viral gospel video, “Reclaiming My Time,” has become a suicide prevention anthem as the two gave their message, telling at-risk teenagers in particular that there was always someone to turn to.
“There’s still too many people out there with misconceptions about mental illness,” McCray says in the video. “There’s so much work to do to change the culture but there’s so little time.”
“Oh, so you’re ready to reclaim your time?” Kilgore sings, wearing a “Reclaiming My Time” tee shirt.
— Janet Jackson breaks down onstage after singing song about abuse —
On this #SuicidePreventionDay, we're reclaiming time for mental health because there's always hope and there's always help. pic.twitter.com/kSTMYmo4H7
— Chirlane McCray (@NYCFirstLady109) September 10, 2017
McCray goes on to specifically call out “those who believe that mental health is less important than physical health” as well as “those who believe mental illness is a moral weakness.”
“It’s so important to reclaim time for mental health,” McCray says in the video.
After the video went live, McCray spoke out about her hope that bringing Kilgore’s talent to the message would resonate with those who were struggling.
“We want young people to know if they’re facing issues, they can talk to someone about it,” McCray later told The Huffington Post. “There are many ways to access that help.”
