From Breakdown to Breakthrough: How Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health Is Healing Chicago

Introduction to a Journey of Healing

What if your lowest moment became the foundation for your life’s greatest mission?

In this heart-opening interview, Coach Monique Roberson (aka Coach Mo: @coachmoroberson) sits down with Christopher LeMark, founder of Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health (@coffeehiphopandmentalhealth), to unpack his powerful journey—from breaking down in a Starbucks to building one of Chicago’s most intentional community spaces.

The Birth of a Mission

From that moment on @christopherlemark created @coffeehiphopandmentalhealth to serve his community, because he was served during the lowest moments of his life. This mission is his way of saying, Thank You.
LeMark says, “The Heart Work goes far beyond coffee— it’s just the catalyst to start the healing conversation. The real goal? To empower people to live their best lives by becoming mentally and emotionally free. That’s the power. That’s the foundation.”

Normalizing Mental Health Conversations

As you watch the interview you’ll witness Chris give his raw feelings about mental health in the Black community, why we must normalize sharing our truth with judgment-free professionals, and how choosing stability can keep us from slipping when life gets heavy. He shares how allowing himself to fall apart was the key to putting his purpose back together—and how, just a few years later, his thriving North Side location is more than a coffee house. It’s a movement!

The Power of Presence and Legacy

Together, Monique and Christopher explore the legacy of History, the power of presence, and the cultural necessity of creating spaces where excellence, healing, and hip-hop collide.

Rising from the Mess with Meaning

From serving elevated coffee in fancy glasses to sparking conversations that change lives—this episode is for anyone who knows what it means to rise from the mess with meaning.
Let this be your permission to break down… so you can break through. Visit Coffee, Hip Hop & Mental Health Tuesday thru Saturday at 1051 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL.

Conclusion

The story of Christopher LeMark and Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to transform pain into purpose. By creating a space where mental health, hip-hop, and community intersect, LeMark has given his community a gift that goes beyond a cup of coffee—it’s a reminder that healing is possible and that together, we can rise above our breakdowns to achieve breakthroughs.

FAQs

• Q: What is Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health?
  A: Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health is a community space in Chicago that combines coffee, hip-hop, and mental health discussions to promote healing and empowerment.
• Q: Who founded Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health?
  A: Christopher LeMark founded Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health after experiencing his own journey of breakdown and breakthrough.
• Q: What is the mission of Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health?
  A: The mission is to empower people to live their best lives by becoming mentally and emotionally free through judgment-free conversations and community support.
• Q: Where is Coffee, Hip-Hop & Mental Health located?
  A: It is located at 1051 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL, and is open Tuesday through Saturday.