JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The mother of Jacksonville late recording artist Lil Poppa is honoring her son’s life by creating a foundation focused on mental health awareness, suicide prevention and youth support.
Born Janarious Mykel Wheeler, Lil Poppa died by suicide in Fulton County, Georgia, in February at age 25. His mother, Orie Lynn Hickson, said she wants people to remember the love he showed others.
“Love, love. He had a whole lot of love for everybody,” Hickson said.
About nine months after her son’s death, Hickson said she continues to grieve. “I’m praying and crying. It’s not a day I haven’t cried since February 18,” she said.
Hickson said her son devoted time outside of music to helping young people in Jacksonville, particularly in the Eastside community, where the family was raised.
“His main concern were children from over here in his area. You know, Eastside is where we were born and raised,” Hickson said.
She said her son had discussed his vision for a foundation with his oldest brother, James, and had written down ideas before his death. The More to Life Legacy Foundation will focus on mental health awareness, youth mentorship, fatherhood and family support.
Community organizations gathered to learn more about the foundation and ways to get involved. Hickson said suicide is an issue that resonates with many parents and families across Duval County.
A Duval County Public Schools counselor told Action News Jax that multiple students had died by suicide during the school year. The district’s resources include a series of conversations with Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier reminding students that it is OK to ask for help.
Hickson offered a similar message. “Receive help. You don’t have to try to do it all by yourself. All that causes is depression, and he suffered depression,” she said.
The More to Life Legacy Foundation has established a board of directors to organize its efforts. More information is available at ANJ.com.
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