Peeling away masks

I started as a PR youngin working under Ms. Terrie Williams like a large group of young female publicists of color. I learned so much from her under this time about PR, the "industry," myself and certainly depression. She was in the very early stages of creating this book, now aptly titled: Black Pain: It Only Looks Like We're Not Hurting and it was really inspirational to me. I had candid talks with her about depression and was able to share things with her during a critical time of major change in my life.

I was too chicken shit to be a part of this book and now feel silly about it. I wasn't ready to face my own truths. I'm really a chipper person/chatty Cathy (lol) but I have always dealt with depression on and off...at least since I hit puberty. I'm thinking by the way people react to her book that many of us have similar experiences. I needed to keep my mask on. But I'm slowly peeling it off. Like my cucumber aloe peel off facial masque. But only not as fun. Though I guess I'm hoping for the same effect...to be smooth, fresh and me.

Anyone in NYC in need of some healing and opportunities for personal transformation and self-realization (whoa) should head to the event below. And if nothing else, the Overweight Lover, one of Money Earnin' Mt. Vernon's finest, Heavy D, will be performing. Big up on that Grammy nod!


A Screening on What Depression Looks Like, Sounds Like and Feels Like

"The Open Book" explores the mental health epidemic of depression in the African American community…and how we’re really doing.
Our aim is to alert, educate and transform the lives of people who may be needlessly and silently suffering.

--"Depression is not a crime -- it's an illness." -- Terrie M. Williams

We want to congratulate Heavy D on his journey of accomplishments as an actor and artist and his most recent achievement as this year's Grammy nominee for Best Reggae album, "Vibes." This will be his first live performance in a decade.

We'd love to see you there.

Symphony Space Thursday, January 15, 2009: 7pm - 9:30pm General Admission: $25 (includes an autographed copy of ”Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting” by Terrie M. Williams. For tickets, go
to: www.symphonyspace.org.

Healing Starts With Us,
Terrie M. Williams & Xavier Artis, Co-Founders

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