In a world that often demands silence from Black men, Darkness RISING Project is inviting them and the wider community to speak, heal, and celebrate through art.
On August 21, the Harlem-based nonprofit will host Darkness RISING: Juke Joint, a mental health mixer at the Artfull Walls Gallery, setting the tone for a weekend of dialogue, liberation, and joy. Curated with the vibe of a speakeasy and the brilliance of Black excellence, the evening will mix live performances, poetry, signature drinks, and intentional conversation.
But it’s not just about ambiance, it’s about impact.
A Speakeasy for the Soul
Darkness RISING: Juke Joint draws inspiration from both the classic Southern juke joint and the film Sinners. The result? A creative, freeing atmosphere where music and expression serve as powerful forms of resistance and healing.
The centerpiece of the night is a panel on Black men’s mental health. It will explore the historic silence that has long served as a survival strategy in Black communities and what happens when that silence is broken.
The event will discuss what vulnerability looks like when space is created for it and how the arts can be a gateway to freedom.
Expect to hear from voices across mental health, community work, and the arts, all focused on one core truth: healing is revolutionary.
From Mixer to Movement
This mixer is more than a one-night event. It’s the lead-in to the Darkness RISING Block Party on August 23 at ACP Plaza in Harlem. Open to the public, the family-friendly block party will amplify the nonprofit’s REBUILD initiative, which offers free therapy for formerly incarcerated and justice-impacted Black and Brown individuals.
The organization is working to dismantle the barriers to healing, especially for those most impacted by incarceration and trauma. REBUILD is about more than services—it’s about restoring dignity, community, and mental wellness.
The block party will feature live music, wellness resources, creative vendors, and more. It’s a community celebration—but it’s also a call to action. Darkness RISING is encouraging donations and partnerships to help scale their work even further.
A Mission Rooted in Art and Advocacy
Founded to fill the gap in accessible, culturally competent mental health resources for the Black community, Darkness RISING Project centers the arts as a healing tool. From benefit concerts to therapy sponsorships, they’ve built a bridge between creativity and wellness that’s become vital in today’s climate.
For more on how to support or donate, visit darknessrisingproject.org. If you’re in NYC, pull up because healing is happening outside. RSVP Here.
