by Ida Harris
October 3, 2025
Donnita Hathaway’s mission is to offer psychological wellness in Black communities
On what would have been the eightieth birthday of famed vocalist Donny Hathaway, his daughter, Donnita, launched the Donny Hathaway Legacy Venture. The venture is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit group based by Donnita in her father’s honor and is devoted to music and psychological wellness. The intimate occasion passed off in Atlanta at Miss Conduck, a Caribbean restaurant and lounge, amongst shut mates and supporters.
Donnita’s mission is to “present holistic psychological and emotional health-related training, advocacy and important sources,” in keeping with the nonprofit’s web site. The goal demographic is artistic artists and younger folks in Black communities.
“I’m overwhelmed with emotion. I’ve been interested by this present day for the previous 10 years,” Donnita stated. “Wanting my father to be acknowledged for his musical contributions.”
Donnita continued: “80 is simply such a pristine age, and I actually want that he may very well be right here. The truth that I made a decision to launch my nonprofit, The Donny Hathaway Legacy Venture, on such a big day, I’m simply fully full.”
Donnita emphasised that the group will make the most of holistic therapeutic modalities, music, and training to foster psychological wellness amongst venture individuals.
Donny Hathaway churned out soulful chart-topping songs all through the late Sixties and into the late 70s, together with “A Tune for You,” “Ghetto Boy,” “This Christmas,” “The place Is the Love,” and “Again Collectively Once more,” along with his fellow Howard College alum and musical accomplice Roberta Flack. His struggles with psychological well being, over the course of his profession, led to his premature demise. Donny died by suicide on Jan. 13, 1979, after falling 15 tales from his resort room at New York Metropolis’s Essex Resort.
Gerald Keys, who works in music and media as chief of manufacturing with the Ludacris Basis and as CEO of Immediate Haus, an AI-native tech company, spoke to the need of psychological well being consciousness and stability.
“In our communities, we have now quite a lot of unhealed trauma, quite a lot of issues that we undergo,” Keys stated. “That we’re so resilient, that typically that may sort of backfire on us.”
Amongst those that confirmed as much as give their assist to Donnita was Crooner Eric Roberson, who was closely influenced by Donny Hathaway. Roberson shared reflections and emphasised the significance of attending the occasion, retaining Black music alive, and utilizing the artwork type and Donny’s private expertise to handle psychological well being.
To be taught extra about The Donny Hathaway Legacy Venture, go to the group’s web site right here.
RELATED CONTENT: Legendary Producer and Musician James Mtume Handed Away
