Why Did You Name Your Nonprofit Depressed While Black?
Depressed While Black was created in 2014 as a MFA thesis by Founder & Executive Director Imadé to find Black people like herself living with depression. Depressed While Black grew into an online community in 2014 and a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2020.
The name is inspired by “Driving While Black” which refers to the lived experience of Black drivers who face racist policies resulting in increased traffic stops and police violence.
Depressed While Black encapsulates the lived experience of Black people with depression who navigate racist policies in the mental health industrial complex. Our organization seeks an end to psychiatric racism by affirming patients with the care items they need to feel safe and loved.
Our Vision
Depressed While Black envisions a world where people of African descent heal from severe depression through Black-affirming mental health support and advocacy.
Our Goal
We want people of African descent to heal at home and not in punitive psychiatric facilities. When hospitalization is necessary, this facility should serve as an extension of Black cultures and communities. Imagine going to your grandma's house for the nourishment your soul needs.
Our Communities
- Current and former psychiatric patients of African descent
- Black people with severe mental health challenges
Our History
12014
Depressed While Black is Born
Depressed While Black becomes a Columbia University MFA thesis
and an online community22018
Second Hospital Stay
After wearing clothes from the Lost & Found, Imadé makes a commitment that no other psychiatric patient would experience this
32020
Depressed While Black Becomes a Nonprofit
Imadé started donating Black beauty supplies and menstrual products in February 2020. She later worked with STC Consulting LLC and SMD Business Finance to register Depressed While Black as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Around this time, Imadé created the Help Me Find A Therapist program.
