Published: 04/19/2022
Kai Roberts, image by Sankalp Bhatnagar
Kai Roberts was carrying a full load as a producer, recording artist, and educator, while attending Carnegie Mellon University as an undergraduate student when he began to experience the symptoms of extreme anxiety. He began his healing process, using music as a medication. Recording his thoughts and frustrations in the form of poetry, he was soon inspired to create an album that would encourage others in similar situations and enlighten society on the college experience often kept secret. Kai strives to show students that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that they are not alone. Through his message, he hopes to give people the courage to find their own outlets for achieving mental health balance.
In his high energy “Active Mic: Mental Health Through Music” presentation, Kai tells the story of his battle with panic attacks and Generalized Anxiety Disorder through interactive dialogue and hip-hop music. From the beginning, the audience moves with Kai through the origins of his anxiety and his GAD disorder and goes into his recovery, with a first-hand look at all of the emotions he experienced along the way. Be prepared for good music, meaningful messages, and an overall good time.
After the event, a working piece of art that allows individuals to answer the question, "What brings you hope?" created by Gannon students, faculty, and staff will be on display. The art will be traveling around campus as a living installation and will be unveiled for the first time at this event.
Co-sponsored by Gannon’s chapter of Active Minds.