As society moves towards eliminating mental health stereotypes, it’s exciting to see how our very own Fordham community is contributing to the cause. Earlier this October, the Fordham Ramblers were invited to sing at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Bronx Walk at Lehman College. I had the privilege to sit down with Ramblers Tyler Chimento, FCRH ’24, Ethan Saunders, FCRH ’26, and Eron Maltzman, GSB ’25, who performed at the walk, to hear their thoughts on the event and their participation. First off, what was this event all about? 

According to those who attended, it was a community-run event on spreading awareness for mental health. It was to come together as a group to celebrate those who are still here, those reeling from losing a loved one and recognition for those who aren’t here anymore. Many people are struggling with mental health alone and in silence, so this day was to show how you aren’t truly alone. Overall, the atmosphere was uplifting. 

How did the Ramblers get involved? Team leaders from the event reached out and asked the Ramblers to come sing. One leader was Maggie, and she personally contacted and guided them through the event. The group of team leaders were described as very welcoming and devoted to the cause, giving speeches which expressed their whole-heartededness for the movement. Ramblers said that the speeches made towards the crowd were personal, and it was surprising how vulnerable the leaders were in front of all those people they didn’t know. The goal was to spread encouragement and positivity, so the Ramblers chose to sing “The Garden” by The Happy Fits, a calming song despite the tone of the topic at hand. While the issue itself is somewhat heavy, the event was not. 

In addition to live performers, there was a group of cheerleaders spread around to cheer you on while walking. There was also a booth where you could choose different necklace bead colors as a way to represent the different reasons why you were there. It was nice to see everyone’s colors and get a glimpse of what others were going through while you’re going through your own struggles. This once again re-enforces the idea of togetherness the event worked so hard to achieve. Upon asking the Ramblers why the event was important to them, this was the answer most emphasized: unity. 

Unity between all struggling with the same problems, unity of the community (especially through inviting the Ramblers and other Bronx groups) and unity in how separate people gathered for the same journey; the intent was driven home in word and action. One of the most striking remarks was made by the hostess, saying: “If you came here alone, you aren’t walking alone.” 

Thinking of unity and the relationship between Fordham University and the Bronx community, we are reminded of how these collaborations are often too few and far between. According to Chimento, the event was “really eye-opening, seeing how many people came together, and to see Fordham students joining would make it even more impactful.” This opened a discussion commonly held when talking about Fordham University and the Bronx. Fordham is a member of the community and should be at these kinds of events, but we aren’t nearly as much as we should be. They shared the sentiment that in a way, Fordham exists in a bubble separate from the outside. Large, private colleges like Fordham can create divides between students on campus and the community. It’s a divide which shouldn’t exist, and it’s events like these that really bridge that gap. 

So what’s next? Any more events like this in the future? Unfortunately the Ramblers can’t just go off and ask people if they would like them to perform (as much as they’d want to), they have to wait to be invited. But they would absolutely go back next year and participate in any other events the community invites them to. The organization actually already invited them to come back and perform next year, so it looks like this will be a yearly collaboration. 

Like most of you reading, they had never heard of it before, but they highly recommend other people go. Especially those who have connections to the issue of mental health and suicide, this event could be very beneficial to one’s own journey. Hopefully we see the Ramblers and other Fordham groups collaborate in more Bronx events, but for now let’s recognize the Ramblers in their support for suicide prevention and remind others their struggle is not a burden to carry alone.