Meet Darnell Rice | Social Impact Specialist & Engagment Coordinator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darnell Rice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darnell, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am a social impact specialist from Saint Louis, Missouri by way of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. As a child, I faced the same challenges that many of the Black boys we work with face. I check off many of the traumas listed on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire due to my challenging childhood in St. Louis, Missouri. I use my first-hand experience of social injustice and generational trauma as motivation to champion systemic racism. I dedicate my efforts to future generations of leaders and past leaders, such as Federick Douglass and Harriet Tubman.

I focus on mental health justice because men of color face obstacles to mental health care access from within and outside of our communities. For instance, we must overcome cultural taboos within our families and systemic racism from greater society. I saw the positive effects of sharing my story and resources within my immediate community and wanted to secure the same results on a macro level through The Confess Project. Like Malcolm X said, “When I become we, even illness becomes wellness.” I am committed to mobilizing Black and Brown communities to amplify our voices and secure health care equity. I am a survivor of child sexual abuse and I have an initiative called Embrace Elevate which helps survivors heal from sexual trauma and how healing happens. Our target audience is BIPOC Men and boys. I have traveled across the country telling my truth and how healing happens and giving other survivors hope and openness to be vulnerable and healing. ‘I am a victor not a victim”.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a neurodivergent Black man and survivor of childhood trauma, I supported The Confess Project from its inception. I want to normalize sharing feelings and seeking mental health care for Black boys and men. Part of being a leader is seeing and being fearless about a vision. This includes persisting in your mission, despite the doubt and ridicule of others. A lack of support in 2016 did not stop Lorenzo and me from traveling by bus to barbershops. For instance, laughter met Lorenzo and me by attendees at our first few barbershop talks.

During our barber training sessions and meetings, I shared my testimony, demonstrating power in vulnerability. Most of our advocates have never shared a space where Black boys and men are the priority or given a chance to focus on their mental health.
With such great confidence in our purpose, I worked as a volunteer for two years to get the organization off the ground. Research studies are being developed by several universities, including Harvard. Major funders including Gillette are supporting us financially. Today, I manage our Barber Coalition. Our coalition comprises 200 barbers across 16 American cities and has received national recognition from platforms including CNN and The Wall Street Journal. Our goal is to train 600 more barbers by the end of 2021. We have grown over the past 8 years and have trained over 4,000 barbers and stylists and are in 30+ States and 60+ cities

Complacency is not a part of our equation. We

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Gateway Arch and Downtown Exploration Morning:
Start your day by visiting the iconic Gateway Arch, the symbol of St. Louis. Take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Afternoon:
Explore the Old Courthouse adjacent to the Gateway Arch. Learn about its significance in American history, including the Dred Scott case.
Have lunch at one of the many restaurants in the downtown area.
Evening:
Wander around the downtown area, checking out attractions like Citygarden, a sculpture park, and the St. Louis Union Station.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the downtown area.
Day 2: Forest Park and Museums
Morning:
Spend the morning exploring Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Visit the Saint Louis Art Museum, which offers free admission to its permanent collection.
Afternoon:
Have lunch at the Boathouse in Forest Park and enjoy a paddleboat ride on the lake.
Visit the Saint Louis Zoo, located within Forest Park, and see a wide variety of animals from around the world.
Evening:
Head to the nearby Delmar Loop for dinner and entertainment. This vibrant neighborhood offers numerous dining options, shops, and live music venues.
Day 3: Historic Neighborhoods and Brewery Tour
Morning:
Explore the historic Soulard neighborhood, known for its red-brick townhouses and lively atmosphere. Visit the Soulard Market, one of the oldest farmers’ markets in the country.
Afternoon:
Take a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and learn about the beer-making process. Don’t forget to visit the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
Have lunch at one of the restaurants in the nearby Lafayette Square neighborhood.
Evening:
Spend the evening in the charming neighborhood of the Central West End. Take a stroll along Euclid Avenue and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants or cafes.
Day 4: History and Culture
Morning:
Visit the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park to learn about the history of St. Louis and the state of Missouri.
Afternoon:
Explore the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States. Take a stroll through its various gardens and conservatories.
Have lunch at the garden’s café or nearby restaurants.
Evening:
Wrap up your trip with a visit to the historic Lemp Mansion. Take a tour of this mansion, which has a fascinating history and is rumored to be haunted.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of St. Louis’s fine dining establishments.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would first want to Thank my grandmother for always believing in me when I did not have the support system to keep going in this life. Second The Confess Project of America and L & J Empowerment for allowing me to be a servant leader and developing my skills to exercise my gifts. and Lorenzo P Lewis The VIsonary for trusting me with the Blueprint and Vision “To my many colleagues and the barbers and stylist, I have impacted across the United States.

Website: www.embraceelevate.com

Instagram: Embrace_Elevate

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darnell-r-986bb128

Facebook: Darnell Rice

Other: embraceelevate44@gmail.com