Author, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist, Terrie Williams on Black Pain

Terrie Williams at the Doles Center with her mother Marie Williams

By Deena Parham

I have a vivid recollection of when Terrie M. Williams, made her public admission of living with depression, in ESSENCE Magazine in June 2005. It startled me, because it is rare, for a high-profile member within the Black community, to disclose a medical condition, which has been unjustly stigmatized. Far too often, it is uncommon, for many African Americans to divulge their mental health issues, in an open forum.

Recently, Ms. Williams released her fourth book, entitled Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting, published by Scribner. It’s an obvious labor of love, born out of the determination, to have an open dialogue about a disease that she could have easily been treated for, without ever revealing it to anyone outside of her inner-circle. Instead, she has selflessly given her time, strength, and an energetic commitment, to establish a healing circle, to make depression the focus of a national conversation. Below is a video, where she explains what led her to write Black Pain:

Ms. Williams has an extensive resume that began in social work. Over the years, she has achieved very notable success, as one of the leaders in the public relations and communications field. Her PR firm, The Terrie Williams Agency, has had an extensive portfolio of high profile clients. She has been the best selling author of three books, prior to the publication of Black Pain.

One endeavor that has brought her great joy has been mentoring young people. Ms. Williams eventually entered the world of philanthropy. Her goal was to support America’s youth, through a series of educational initiatives. The result was the establishment of the Stay Strong Foundation.

In March, Ms. Williams returned to her hometown of Mount Vernon. Friends, family and neighbors alike attended a lecture at the Doles Community Center. It was as honest, personal, and deeply moving dialogue, between the author and the audience. While I was acquainted with about half of the participants within the room, I was unprepared to hear the intimate and heartfelt expressions that many shared.

Ms. Williams opened up the discussion and said, “Pain is screaming out at us every day at every turn.” She asked us to describe what brought us joy in life, as well as pain. The group was invited to share details of their own pain, or how it had impacted someone else. Some spoke of overcoming family tragedies and childhood traumas. Others mentioned the impact of racism, death of a loved one, poverty, illness, and a variety of other contributing stressors, which often trigger pain.

One courageous gentleman poignantly discussed the process of reentering society successfully, after a tumultuous 30-year journey of street life, and substance abuse, which eventually led to his incarceration. He was extremely grateful that he reached out for help. He credited his extraordinary therapist, whose insight and sincere concern allowed him to openly discuss his pain.

As members of the audience acknowledged the pain in their lives, I was struck by the immense strength that they possessed overall, even through tearful pauses. It was a beautifully human moment, because those gathered within the circle were able to provide encouragement through affirmative nods or words that captured that they understood.

Black Pain has the stories of people from all walks of life, with additional commentary provided by mental health professionals. Ms. Williams noted that many of her friends and colleagues were surprised at the book’s depth. “People initially bought the book because they wanted to support me.”

The book has a rich tapestry of diverse experiences that delve into the mental health, and emotional issues, that exist within the African American community. She also shares stories of people like herself, who were able to seek treatment with medication and therapy. “You will see someone in the book who is just like you.”

Black Pain is an insightful and compelling work, which addresses how depression affects men, women, and young people. It is written in a conversational style, to allow readers to begin a dialogue, about their own depression and pain, or how to provide support to family members and friends.

Ms. Williams closed the conversation, by advocating that we all reach out to truly listen to one another. “When we know better, we do better. Take a moment to be more compassionate to one another.” She later added, “It breaks my heart, how we are suffering as a people. I know who is suffering. This book is discounted therapy. It is raw, and honest, and necessary. You don’t need me to do this.”

The Launch of a National Campaign

The Stay Strong Foundation, recently announced its national campaign entitled, "Healing Starts With Us." It compliments the release of the book, Black Pain, and it aims to provide a support network to open the dialogue, about emotional distress in the African American Community.

To find out more about the book, please visit the official website here.