New Black Children's Animated Series Promotes Mental Health, Wellness

There is now a new series for Black children that addresses mental health.

According to Black Enterprise, there has been a new animated series called The Super CJ: The Animated Series, which was launched on YouTube to bring much-needed awareness to the mental health crisis facing Black children today.

Featured in the series is a Black superhero, Super CJ, as well as his funny sidekick, Rex the super dog.

Who is Super CJ? He’s a character with a unique flaw in his superpowers: he actually loses powers when he gets angry but can regain them by calming his nerves. The series is already up to 450,000 views on YouTube, resonating with audiences around the globe, and inspiring children, while also shedding light on an important issue -- children’s mental health.

Super CJ Children’s Mental Health is a groundbreaking campaign that will be spearheaded by Super CJ. The launch has already started in September, and the campaign “intends to bring much-needed awareness to the critical mental health crisis facing Black children today." Black children in the age range of 5 to 12 are now twice as likely to commit suicide as white folks, with Black teen suicide rates increasing by 78%.

Super CJ will navigate difficult situations, confront challenges, and learn valuable life lessons. Each show intends to highlight the importance of emotional well-being and self-regulation, showing children that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions. However, they find calmness and positive coping mechanisms that are key to overcoming obstacles. Super CJ’s journey inspires understanding, empathy and resilience.

The Super CJ Children’s Mental Health 365 campaign comprises a range of initiatives that are designed to address various aspects of children’s mental health, including a monthly newsletter with educational resources, online forums, social media campaigns as well as collaborations with mental health professionals, educators, and child advocates. These campaigns strive to “foster an environment that supports the mental well-being of children ever day of the year."

“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.”