Black Arts & Mental Health Shine at Darkness Rising Party!
Annual Darkness Rising Block Party Returns to Downtown Raleigh
The Darkness Rising block party is back and ready to light up downtown Raleigh this Saturday at Moore Square. Hosted by the non-profit organization Darkness Rising, this free event celebrates Black art and mental health while empowering the community with valuable resources.
Carlita, representing Darkness Rising, gave us the inside scoop on this year’s event during a recent conversation. “Darkness Rising Live is our annual Black arts and mental health block party,” she explained. “We provide free resources to the Black community and justice-involved people of color, including therapy, arts programming, and wellness resources. It’s for us, by us.”
This year’s festivities are jam-packed with activities and entertainment for everyone. Music lovers can look forward to performances by the sensational Neato Band, Gene Hoskins delivering inspirational tunes, and violin sensation Kimberly Michelle. “Our concert lineup is incredible,” Carlita said. “We’re so excited to have Neato Band as our headliner. They’re amazing!”
But the fun doesn’t stop at music. Attendees can enjoy offerings from Black-owned food vendors, shop unique merchandise from Black creators, and participate in a high-energy line dancing event. Additionally, a community health fair will showcase organizations that provide wellness resources tailored to the Black community. “It’s a celebration of us, our culture, our wellness,” Carlita emphasized.
The block party isn’t just a one-day event; it’s a reflection of the year-round work done by the Darkness Rising Project. They offer programs like the Rebuild therapy sessions and “Find Me a Therapist,” connecting Black individuals with culturally competent mental health professionals. Their website, darknessrisingproject.org, is a wealth of information on mental health resources, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
The festivities run this Saturday, Memorial Day weekend, from 2 PM to 6 PM at Moore Square. “If you’re in town, just come hang out,” Carlita urged. “Join us for an afternoon of music, food, and community!”
Don’t miss your chance to experience this remarkable event. Visit the website or follow @DarknessRisingProject on social media for updates. See you downtown!
