Breaking The Silence with Darnell Rice

Breaking The Silence

with Darnell Rice

Darnell Rice is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, by way of Pine Bluff Arkansas a social entrepreneur, sexual assault survivor speaker and mental health advocate, community organizer, disability rights advocate. Mr. Rice is passionate about students with and without disabilities. Mr. Rice is the Founder Program Initiative which targets the communities of Color which includes students, black men and black boys. Mr. Rice has over ten years in Behavioral Health Sciences in Arkansas. Mr. Rice has overcome overwhelming odds as a student and a professional to fight for equal rights and justice. Mr. Rice is a Start Bloc Fellow in 2019 believes the students are the future and the next generation to be great and well-equipped for this world. Mr. Rice has higher education experience as a Coordinator and a College Professor. Mr. Rice taught at Shorter College on a Research Development Program The 2nd Chance Grant where he instructed students to use life skills and be better for society.

HL: How challenging is it for individuals to come out to break their silence?

DR: It could be a matter of where they are mental and emotional. Sometimes we feel many different emotions and we feel guilt, shame, depression and hopelessness and damaged goods. We see the world especially with black men and black boys where they aren’t brave spaces where we can validate and be heard.

HL: What are some ways your organization

DR: We have a wellness guide and also have partnered with The University of Arkansas Medical Center in partnership with the School of Public Health to create a survivors advocacy guide. We currently have a Private Support Group on Facebook called Embrace You. Survivors can access the group and get support and ask questions and therapy services can be provided if needed.

HL: What programs do you offer, and are there virtual support groups?

DR: We provide trainings and offer technical assistance to victims and individuals who are impacted by sexual violence. We provide training to clergy and how to avoid scandal and equip your church members with resources and tools to help heal from trauma.

DR: We traveled to various college campuses to provide the message of healing and restoration for survivors. We help young black boys and young black men have a voice to be heard, valued and appreciated. We provide education on sexual violence, rape, consent and what all of it looks like? Our goal is to break the stigma of sexual violence in our black communities. We trained educators on how to be advocates against sexual violence in the classroom. We helped survivors seek healing through storytelling and meeting people where they are. We had several meetings where we had panel guest and other professionals who work in the field of advocacy, prevention and sexual violence.

HL: What are some tools you can offer someone who is experiencing sexual abuse but don’t know where to start or seek help?

DR: Find a trustworthy person so they can have a conversation. It’s critical to really build trust and a foundation with someone. Join us and learn about our wellness and advocacy guide. We also have a monthly zoom meeting with survivors: Embrace You Support Group.

HL: What are some ways individuals can have this conversation with their parents or trusted friend if they are experiencing sexual abuse?

DR: Start by believing you are worthy to share your experiences. Find you an advocate in your city or your local state agency that helps survivors of color and also use us (Embrace) as a resource

Quote:

“We have to start by believing and having conversations with survivors and our different organizations who work with BIPOC to assist in continue the advocacy and awareness against sexual violence,”

- Darnell Rice

HL: Do you think there is a stigma against males being sexually abused? If so, why, and what should we do to change this narrative?

DR: Yes! We have concerns about our sexuality and masculinity. A lot of males are hesitant to have a medical exam or report to law enforcement about an incident because we (black men) have a are trained on advocacy against sexual violence. To change the narrative we have to tell others and find resources available for black boys and black men. We have to start by believing and having conversations with survivors and our different organizations who work with BIPOC to assist in continue the advocacy and awareness against sexual violence. We have to start by education and awareness in the community, especially our parents and community leaders and start to have those tough conversations because the phrase pray about isn’t enough, however, start the healing by telling your story and having the support system around to honor you and your truth. Thousand of men are raped each year and Embrace is here to change this negative narrative about black men and boys.

“I am a champion and not a victim but a victor,”

- Darnell Rice

HL: How can readers support your mission and what are the steps individuals can take to get involved with your organization?

DR: Follow all social media handles and donate to our website and stay connected and let us know how to help survivors of color and black men and boys. We are breaking the stigma against sexual violence. You can start by following us on Instagram: Embrace_ Elevate or join our Facebook Group: Embrace You. Mental Moment: This is where you can say anything you want readers to know. Some people use this space to say their mantra or talk about the importance of their services. Survivor’s Creed I am a champion and not a victim but a victor.

About Darnell Rice:

Darnell Rice is passionate about social issues and the social justice lens that affects the community. Mr. Rice is a 2022 American Social Justice Fellow and a Stand Together Caylast. He has also been awarded the 2022 Barber Humanitarian Award and The 2022 Heart Award for being the Heart of the

DO YOU WANT TO ENGAGE IN SELF-CARE BUT HAVE NO IDEA ON WHAT TO DO?

TAKE YOUR SELF-CARE TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

Self-Care Helpful Living Toolkits are designed with you in mind to help with your self-care items, activities, and a digital workbook to help you regain focus on your personal goals.

Explore creating a vision for your mental health by getting creative with your toolkit. Enjoy the activities with friends or independently with music to get your creative mind flowing.