Speaking About Adversity with Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins

    Last night, at the Savannah Civic Center in Georgia, a work of art was on display. It combined music from multiple genres. It had video and graphic design that was modern but captured the history of Black culture. The best part was that it captured the journey of an individual who has gone through adversity and turned it into positivity through the power of transformation, self care, and mental health treatment. No, it wasn’t an art show or an inspirational speaker. It was the Jeezy TM:101 concert, and it was amazing!

    As the founder of a mental health practice called Transformation Counseling and Consulting, and a hip hop fan, being present to witness this transformation was an honor. The concert was well choreographed musically and visually. Jeezy took us on a journey through his musical catalog. He paid homage to his beginnings as a “trap star” and he did not shy away from his past and how he once sold drugs and glamorized street life. However, he reflected on it. He took pauses to speak to the audience about new insights he has gained as a more insightful person. The show utilized videography to trace his history in music. 

    For many of us in the audience it was also our own historic journey as Black folks growing up in America. Al Green and Frank Sinatra songs were the soundtrack background music to these videos. Which definitely struck cords for those of us in the audience who grew up with our parents playing those hits on the record player.  

    Growing up in an impoverished neighborhood in an urban Black/Hispanic community, I identify with the struggles that Jeezy has faced. This storyline drew me to read his book titled Adversity For Sale. In the book, he discusses in depth how the decisions we make in life can change the trajectory of our lives. He also discusses how it feels to think from a mindset of limitations and operate in survival mode. Jeezy admits to having experienced anxiety and depression due to his high risk lifestyle. He explores how those feelings scared and motivated him to push forward even when life was difficult. 

    During the meet and greet, after the concert, I had planned to use my time with him to question him about the book and to ask him about his journey to seek therapy. I had my question list ready and had timed it out to make sure I could get them all in the 4 minutes allowed for each participant. I was fifth to the last in line of over 50. As I watched all the others who went up before me I felt a calm come across the room. 

    The energy was peaceful and positive. As each person went up, Jeezy made time to make eye contact with them and say thank you. He dapped up the men who were there with their women on a date. I was amazed that he had the energy to give special attention to each of us at 11 o’clock at night, after just coming off the stage and tearing it down for almost two hours. His positive energy spread across the room. People smiled and spoke kindly and quietly to each other in the room.

    As I neared the front of the line all my intentions of interviewing him went out the window. I stepped forward and extended my arms in a hug and he accepted with open arms. 

    He asked me, “Did you have a good time tonight?”  

    I replied, “Yes!” 

    Then, I told him, “Thank you.” 

    I thanked him for all that he was doing to change the narrative about people who come from difficult situations and the mental health therapy. I encouraged him to keep up the good work and I told him it is needed. He put his hand to his heart, smiled and said, “That means so much to me to hear you say that.” His words were worth the wait in line. Sometimes we just need to tell people that their work is important and effective, not bombard them with questions and curiosity. I recognized that this was that time.

    If you haven’t read Adversity For Sale, I hope you pick it up. If you haven’t been to the concert yet, I hope you attend that too. It’s a Black Tie affair. So, put on your nicest dress and be prepared to sweat it out. Listen to Jeezy’s TM:101 Live Album on Spotify! Celebrate you! Celebrate us and all that we have come through to be here in this moment. Transform your thoughts, transform your life!

    If you are in a difficult situation and struggling with anxiety or depression please seek professional help. A mental health counselor can assist you. Call us now to find out more!  

NC: (919) 283-6083. FL: (786) 957-2988.