Meet the Team Behind: Darkness RISING

Darkness RISING uses art as a tool to improve mental health, specifically within the Black community. From inspirational Broadway performances to helping individuals find Black therapists, Darkness RISING covers all the bases when it comes to mental health care. Learn more about their unique programming here!

What is the mission of Darkness RISING?

Darkness RISING was created to help those in the Black community begin conversations with their family, coworkers, and friends about their mental health and emotional well-being. We accomplish this by partnering with mental health providers and mental health educators to create events, seminars, and sessions where the intersection between mental health education and the arts collide. 

What do your programs entail?

We partner with Black mental health providers to offer free wellness workshops throughout the year, including meditation, fitness, yoga, coloring, education, community forums, and more. Darkness RISING combines live music and mental health with Broadway performances. Our Broadway singers perform at live events and virtually, singing songs of hope. Our video series, which is made possible by the Brooklyn Arts Fund, includes singing, dancing, and conversations about mental health. 

Can you tell me about the communities you work with? 

We work with the Black community, BIPOC, LGBTQIA, and all those in need of mental health support. Our partners include the Brooklyn Arts Council, Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, Lloyd’s, and more. Darkness RISING Project artists have performed in Broadway shows such as Aladdin, The Lion King, Hamilton, Dreamgirls, Beautiful, Motown, Summer, The Color Purple, Memphis, MJ Musical, Sister Act, and more. 

What kind of mental health care do you offer?

Darkness RISING aims to improve the health and wellness of the Black community, raise awareness about mental health in our community, empower and engage our community, and erase the negative stigma of mental health issues. We provide a Black Mental Health Provider Database on our website, and a free Black Mental Health Resource Packet that includes databases of Black therapists, podcasts, advocates, and more.