LEON ROCKYMORE
Before anyone gets a chance to laugh their tail off at the “It’s the Show Before Christmas” comedy show on Dec. 16 and 17, they’ll find something in their seats that is no laughing matter.
A survey will be provided to each person who attends either 7:30 p.m. show, and the survey will give people a chance to be partnered with a mentor who can help them with their mental health struggles.
It’s a good chance that some attendees will seek the help. In the African American community, it’s becoming more acceptable for people to admit that they are going through mental pain and anguish, and to ask for help. But for decades, it wasn’t that way.
“I call it the silent scream,” said Leon Rockymore, CEO of Roxamore Records & Films Inc. His company is putting on the comedy show at Rocks Landing, 506 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks.
That’s why Rockymore said people will be able to fill out the survey and place it in a sealed box, with no one else in the audience knowing what was placed on the paper. Rockymore said he expects people will ask for help for themselves, or possibly a family member. Others may want to become mentors.
Mental health hits home for Rockymore. His biological brother, Jamal Hardy, known as Molly, effectively committed suicide through an overdose, Rockymore said. And Rockymore’s brother in law, Rahiim Etheridge, also committed suicide.
“They were both struggling mentally, lost their way and found their own exit on their terms,” Rockymore told the New Pittsburgh Courier.
But maybe, just maybe, comedy can be a way for people to find a sense of happiness, a diversion from the everyday norm. The comedy show will feature A.G. White, who has been featured on Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy, along with BET’s Comicview.
“There’s only been two people that had my ribs sticking together because I was laughing that hard,” Rockymore said. “D.L. Hughley and A.G. White.”
Other comedians on stage will be host Izzy4Real?, Lillie Anne, One-eye and Jerry Wilson, all Pittsburghers. White is from Brooklyn, N.Y.
Moving forward in 2023, Rockymore said his comedy shows will continue, but with a new campaign attached: #breakthementalstruggle. Rockymore said he’s serious about this. His company is partnering with a local organization which provides mental health counseling services, and part of the proceeds from his shows will go towards the cost for counseling services for those who may not have the money.
“There’s a popular saying, ‘What goes on in my house stays in my house,’” Rockymore told the Courier.
“Meanwhile, someone’s screaming for help and no one is paying attention to it…We are turning this into an opportunity to do some good.”
(Editor’s note: For more information on becoming a mental health mentor or questions about the comedy show, call 412-378-8271.)
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