Founder of the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC). Willie “Prophet” Stigers has joined the founding board of the Neil Lasher Music Fund at Caron Treatment Centres, which provides financial assistance to musicians for drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
With Stigers in tow, BMAC and the fund will work together to help tackle the stigma of addiction in the black music world and offer support to members of that community seeking treatment.
On Feb. 2, Stigers spoke at the fund's annual “Breakfast With the Founders Board,” during which he addressed the stigma surrounding “treatment, mental health and wellness” in the Black community. “Our goal is to try to break it up,” he said. “Finances should never be a barrier to whether or not one can survive, be alive, [and] they have the treatment they need.”
Stigers said he learned about the Neil Lasher Music Fund after a veteran music attorney and member of BMAC's executive leadership board Dina LaPolt she invited him to join her at a dinner in 2023 where she was honored by Caron Treatment Centers, which provide addiction treatment to people who receive grants from the fund. “As I started doing some research and found out that you all provide funding for people in the industry and their family members to get treatment, I said, 'This is incredible. How can we get involved? How can we help spread this message?” Stigers said.
In partnership with BMAC, the fund currently has plans to offer artist 'recovery' support spaces at music festivals and venues, as well as creating an awareness event in Atlanta this year.
“Seeking help for addiction and mental health issues is unfortunately still very stigmatized in the Black community and BMAC wants to align with the Neil Lasher Music Fund to help the community with awareness, education and resources,” said Stiggers' LaPolt and BMAC's participation in the fund. “In my role as a member of the BMAC Executive Leadership Council, Prophet and I have worked together for years in music-making advocacy and social justice efforts. I was delighted to help connect the Prophet with our Founding Council and know that together we will facilitate significant change.”
