Darkness RISING is a mental health awareness 501(c)3 nonprofit. We offer free community wellness workshops geared toward people of color, inspirational cover songs, visual albums, and live concerts created by Black Broadway and theatre professionals, many who have experienced a mental health condition. Our goal is to inspire conversations about mental health, address issues which directly affect the Black community, connect attendees to resources, and erase the stigma.
the health and wellness of the Black community
awareness about mental health in our community
and engage our community via resources, events and services.
the negative stigma of mental health issues
Wednesday, 12/16, 6pm EST, Online
Wednesday 8/19, 6pm EST, Facebook Live
We offer free wellness workshops throughout the year, including: Meditation, Fitness, Yoga, Adult Coloring, Community Forums & more
Our free Black mental health resource packet includes databases of Black therapists, apps, podcasts, blogs, advocates and more.
Our Broadway singers perform at live events and virtually, singing songs of hope. Our video series includes singing, dancing + conversations about mental health
© 2023 Mental Health Resources. Designed by Chris K Howard
Collin L. Howard is a performer, producer, hospitality expert and an overall culture enthusiast. Originally from Piscataway NJ, Collin graduated from the prestigious Hartt School at The University of Hartford in West Hartford, CT where he earned his B.F.A. in Music Theatre and now resides in Harlem. He has performed Off- Broadway, regionally as well as in film and television. A proud member of Darkness RISING since its inception, Collin is an inaugural member of its Board of Trustees as well as Director of Creative Content. He firmly believes in making mental health and self-care awareness more accessible to the Black community; with a strong emphasis in the destigmatizing of addiction.
Shani Graves, LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist and speaker. She is passionate about providing safe spaces for BIPOC individuals to grow and heal. Shani is the owner of SG Wellness PLLC, a group psychotherapy practice located in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. SG Wellness PLLC provides therapy, workshops and support to adults for stress management, self-esteem, anxiety/depression and interpersonal relationships. Shani has been featured in online publications such as Bustle, Books for Better Living and Allure Magazine.
For more information: sgcounselingnyc.com
Cathey Ector–Cox has been involved with youth, community advocacy, and volunteer initiatives for more than 27 years. She currently serves as the Youth Services Director in the City of Raleigh Community Engagement Division, and is a Nonprofit Consultant.
Cathey oversees the Raleigh Pathways Center, which houses a portfolio of workforce development programs, services and resources meant to increase opportunity and provide clear pathways to success for young adults.
Cathey plays a vital role in the facilitation, organizing and planning of youth programs, community offerings, and services. She is knowledgeable in the areas of community development, strategic planning and administrative management. She works with youth service organizations by finding real time solutions to community issues, while simultaneously working with local government, grantors, and other stakeholders in order to create collaborative partnerships in bringing those solutions to fruition.
Tamala is an award-winning filmmaker that writes stories designed to excite the imagination. She is known for the series, Bubbly Brown Sugar, which has taken home accolades for Best Series at major festivals including the International Newark Film Festival in 2019. Her work has also won awards at the Austin Revolution Film Festival, the Imagine This Women’s International Film Festival, the International Black Film Festival, and others. Tamala holds a MBA in Media Management and currently teaches business on a collegiate level. Tamala is the founder of Soul Kisses Productions, a production company based in NYC. Tamala has worked with Billboard Charting artists like Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent, Mandy Moore, and Snoop Dogg; with major record labels like Warner Brothers, Columbia, Universal and for mega brands such as Energizer, Vans, Photobucket, Myspace, and Eventful throughout her career.
