Nationwide — An exciting new animated series called Super CJ: The Animated Series has been launched on YouTube to bring much-needed awareness to the critical mental health crisis facing Black children today. The series features a Black superhero, Super CJ, and his sarcastically funny sidekick, Rex the super dog.
Super CJ is an extraordinary character with a unique flaw in his superpowers; He loses his powers when he gets angry but can regain them by calming down. With 450,000+ views on YouTube, the series is resonating with audiences around the world, inspiring children, and shedding light on an important issue — children’s mental health.
Super CJ Children’s Mental Health 365 is a groundbreaking campaign that will be spearheaded by Super CJ himself. With its launch during the month of September, the campaign intends to bring much-needed awareness to the critical mental health crisis facing Black children today. Black children, ages 5 to 12, are now twice as likely to die by suicide as their white counterparts, and Black teen suicide rates have increased by 78%.
The animated series follows the thrilling adventures of Super CJ as he navigates difficult situations, confronts challenges, and learns valuable life lessons. Each episode will highlight the importance of emotional well-being and self-regulation, showing children that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions, but finding calmness and positive coping mechanisms are key to overcoming obstacles. Super CJ’s journey promotes understanding, empathy, and resilience.
The Super CJ Children’s Mental Health 365 campaign will encompass a comprehensive range of initiatives, designed to address various aspects of children’s mental health. The campaign will include a monthly newsletter with educational resources, online forums, social media campaigns, and collaborations with mental health professionals, educators, and child advocates. Through these efforts, the campaign will strive to foster an environment that supports the mental well-being of children every day of the year.
“We are proud to introduce Super CJ and his mission to promote children’s mental health,” said Yaba Baker, creator of the series. “With the animated series and the Children’s Mental Health 365 campaign, we aim to encourage open conversations about mental health, provide support to children and families, and ultimately make a positive impact on the lives of children around the world.”
Baker’s own struggles with mental health and anger management inspired him to create Super CJ and the campaign.
Those who want to support the Super CJ animated series and the campaign are encouraged to watch the show and fill out a brief 2-minute survey by going to this Google form https://forms.gle/nFbvnmwQMQDMx42q6. The information gained from this survey will be used to prove there is a need and a desire for this kind of campaign and animated content.
