Clemón Charles

2023 Steinberg Institute Champion

Clemón Charles

On any given night in Sacramento, you might find Clemón Charles with a guitar in his hand. Clemon is a local musician who uses art and music to lift spirits and improve mental health in the community.

Each month, Clemón co-hosts a monthly art event called “Expressions”. The event is a fundraiser for Middleway Health Foundation, a nonprofit that provides free, no-strings-attached therapy for people who cannot afford it. 

Core to Clemón’s commitment to the cause is the idea that “art saves lives.” At the monthly performances, which are free to the public, the audience will find musicians, poets, painters and more – all with the belief that artistic expression helps a community find mental health healing. 

Clemón Charles is a local musician who uses art and music to lift spirits and improve mental health in the community
Video/photography by Autumn Payne of Ethical Narrative

Clemón is originally from the island of Barbados, where art is ingrained in the culture and educational system. 

All of us have a role to play in improving the mental health of our fellow Californians. In that spirit, we salute Clemón.

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Transforming California's mental health and substance use care systems through education, advocacy, accountability, and inspired leadership.