By Malcolm Rashaad Banks

In a world where mental health conversations are becoming increasingly prominent, Silence the Shame (STS) has emerged as a trailblazing organization dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding the topic and fostering open dialogue within marginalized communities. Founded by entertainment industry veteran Shanti Das, STS has significantly impacted many lives. We take an in-depth look at the organization’s history, partnerships, goals, and initiatives, revealing the true extent of its transformative influence.

History

Das began her career in the music industry in the early 90s, working with iconic artists like Outkast, TLC, and Usher, and record labels like LaFace Records, Columbia Records, and Universal Music Group. Her impressive track record earned her the nickname “The Hip-Hop Professional.” Behind the scenes, Das was grappling with her own mental health issues.

In 2009, Das decided to step away from the music industry and, during the 2010s, dedicated herself to community work in Atlanta. It was during this period that she established the Hip Hop Professional Foundation. Das also faced a personal mental health crisis that brought her to the brink of suicidal ideation. This harrowing experience served as a turning point, inspiring her to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and forge safe spaces where individuals could openly share their stories without judgment. It was then that #SilencetheShame movement truly came to life. Drawing on her firsthand knowledge of the high-pressure environments prevalent in the entertainment industry, Das emerged as an ideal advocate for mental health awareness and support.

In 2017, The Hip-Hop Professional Foundation officially became a 501(c)(3), which would later rebrand as the Silence the Shame foundation, as its influence expanded. With a purpose to create a platform for individuals to share their stories without fear of judgment, STS quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to mental health advocacy. Through various events, such as Community Conversations, wellness workshops, and webinars, STS has engaged diverse communities, sparking crucial conversations about mental health.

In May 2017, STS launched its inaugural National Silence the Shame Day (May 5th), a momentous digital event aimed at amplifying positive awareness about mental health and eradicating the stigma, capturing the attention of millions, generating over 90 million impressions on social media that year. Today, May 5th is still recognized and celebrated as National Silence the Shame Day, serving as a powerful reminder of the ongoing mission to foster understanding and acceptance around mental health.

STS’s dedication to advancing minority mental health was acknowledged by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation in 2019 when the organization received an award for its efforts. Das recalls her motivation for the groundbreaking organization: “I realized how important it was to create safe spaces where people could have honest conversations about their mental health, and that’s when Silence the Shame was born.”

As STS grows, it remains committed to its core values of empathy, compassion, and understanding. By fostering an environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their mental health challenges, STS aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health and empower people to seek the support they need.

Addressing Mental Health Disparities: STS’s Goals, Initiatives, and Collaborative Efforts

Silence the Shame (STS) is an organization that recognizes the urgency of addressing mental health disparities, particularly in Black communities. Researchers have found that racial trauma is one of the reasons Black people in some communities have higher rates of PTSD (8.7%) compared to White people (7.4%). The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also declared racism a serious threat to public health, placing communities of color at greater risk for poor health outcomes. This underscores the importance of STS’s work.

Suicide rates among Black youth have risen alarmingly in the past two decades, with suicide being the second leading cause of death in those aged 10–19 years. In the last two months, the CDC released additional information stating that Black suicide rates were up 36 percent (2018-2021). These statistics highlight the need for STS’s initiatives, partnerships, and collaborations.

Since its inception, STS has forged significant partnerships with organizations such as Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Sony Music Publishing, and Janssen Neuroscience. These collaborations have been vital in promoting health equity and supporting communities with serious mental illness.

Microsoft, another prominent partner of STS, has been instrumental in advancing the organization’s cause by leveraging the power of data and technology to make a meaningful impact. Darrell Booker, a Microsoft representative stated, “We rely so much on our partners working at a local level to improve our communities. Not only are we looking to end disparities within the Black community; we’re also focused on those individuals that need additional wrap around services. Partnering with a nonprofit like Silence the Shame allows us to equip them with the power of data and technology to help move the needle significantly!”

That same sentiment in partnering with organizations empowering communities has resonated with celebrities who support STS from figures like Nick Cannon, Keri Hilson, Common, David Banner, Tisha Campbell and many more, have further propelled mental health conversations into the mainstream.

STS’ many initiatives, such as the Soundtrack of Mental Health Train of Trainer Recruitment, Educating Professionals in Cultural Competency (EPICC) Training Series, and Healing in Public (HIP) initiative, demonstrate the organization’s commitment to addressing mental health disparities. Advocacy efforts, like the establishment of Black Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day in Georgia, help raise awareness of the unique mental health challenges faced by Black communities.

By working closely with partners like Sony Music Publishing, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, and Janssen Neuroscience, STS has been able to build pathways to care for Black and marginalized community groups. Additionally, STS promotes culturally responsive

workplace wellness in high-stress industries such as the music industry, ensuring mental health support is accessible for all.

Community Empowerment Through Grassroots Involvement

STS’s approach to mental health advocacy emphasizes grassroots involvement, encouraging individuals to share their stories and become outreach volunteers, professional partners, or media ambassadors. One notable campaign is the Free Your Feels mental health awareness initiative, which aims to promote positive school culture and empower young people in Georgia.

The Free Your Feels initiative, launched in partnership with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), VOX ATL, and the Voices for Georgia’s Children, focuses on providing resources and tools for children and teens to understand better and express their emotions. The campaign reaches students, teachers, and parents, encouraging conversations around mental health and well-being.

By combining grassroots efforts with targeted campaigns like Free Your Feels, STS continues to work toward its mission of creating safe spaces and fostering open dialogue around mental health, ultimately empowering communities to prioritize mental well-being. In 2022, Silence the Shame partnered with Georgia State Senator Tanya Anderson to create a resolution to designate May 1st as Black Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day. This day was established following the Congressional Black Caucus’s (CBC) creation of the Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health in 2019. The Taskforce empowers a working group of leading Black academic, research, advocacy, and practice experts to offer thoughtful solutions to address the alarming rates of suicide among black youth.

Black Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day aims to engage communities in sharing relevant data, prevention and intervention strategies, and promoting healthier outcomes in black communities. It focuses on highlighting the growing risk factors and social determinants of health exacerbating the mental health of black children and teens (4-18) in Georgia. STS continues to recognize May 1st, Black Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, along with 100 organizations and people.

Impact and Vision for Future

Silence the Shame’s impact can be seen in the numbers. They have reached millions through their social media platforms alone. Their initiatives have also led to thousands of individuals being trained in mental health first aid and mental health screenings being conducted. Partnerships with esteemed organizations like the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and Janssen Neuroscience have further propelled their mission to advance mental health care and break down barriers for marginalized communities.

Their collaboration with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has been instrumental in engaging Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in prioritizing mental health solutions for students. Joining forces with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) has helped eradicate stigma in the sports arena, while teaming up with the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Braves has empowered low-resource communities. Other notable supporters include The Blank Foundation and Healthcare Georgia Foundation.

Silence the Shame’s involvement with The Mental Health Coalition and the Anti-Stigma Grand Challenge has forged collaborative networks that facilitate the development of innovative solutions. These alliances

play a crucial role in engaging black communities in mental health promotion and fostering lasting, positive change.

Through its various initiatives, STS has provided mental health resources and support to over 100,000 people and has hosted over 200 events. Their Healing in Public (HIP) initiative alone has reached thousands of individuals and provided mental health support during the pandemic. These statistics demonstrate the significant impact that STS has had in promoting mental health awareness and accessibility. By creating a network of professionals, advocates, and volunteers, STS has made mental health care more accessible and has empowered individuals to prioritize their well-being. Through their pioneering work, STS has established itself as a transformative force in the realm of mental health equity by promoting lived experiences from all walks of life.

STS is making waves in the mental health space as it flourishes, setting its sights on extending its reach and bolstering its influence. With a vision of eradicating mental health stigma and normalizing conversations about mental well-being, this dynamic organization is on a mission to turn heads and shift perspectives. Through carefully crafted programs, STS is championing health equity by nurturing social connections and tackling key factors that shape community health, like top-notch education, safety, and access to first-rate mental health care.

Das highlights the organization’s future aspirations: “We want to ensure that mental health is no longer a taboo topic. We aim to educate, empower, and equip communities with the tools and resources to understand mental health better and foster a culture of understanding, acceptance, and support.”

Silence the Shame has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals grappling with mental health challenges. By fostering open dialogue, empowering communities, and forming strategic partnerships, STS is well on its way to achieving its goal of destigmatizing mental health. Through its pioneering work, STS has set the stage for a future where mental health conversations are embraced and envisions a world where mental health stigma is eradicated, and people are taking steps to heal in their communities from trauma and shame.

With a vision statement of “Mental health equity and access for all,” STS is re-imagining mental health and making waves in the mental health space as it flourishes, setting its sights on extending its reach and bolstering its influence. To learn more about Silence the Shame and to get involved, visit their website and follow their social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay updated on their latest initiatives and events.