New York, NY –  DBGM, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to helping raise awareness of depression, is breaking a taboo in the Black community with the premiere of a groundbreaking documentary “You Are Not Alone”.  Through the courageous sharing of personal stories, Black gay men in the documentary explore many of the underlying social factors which contributed to their depression and the devastating effect on their lives. The film premiered as part of a benefit gala on November 17, 2012 at the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center (formerly the Audubon Ballroom where Malcolm X was assassinated) New York City.

“You Are Not Alone” opens up discussions on the critical issues affecting many Black men and Black gay men who go through life hiding their depression, which with detrimental effects is often a precursor to suicide, either through traditional or non-traditional forms.  The documentary is a combination of powerful, heart wrenching and poignant interviews, is balanced with professional opinions provided by mental health professionals, academics and religious leaders (Christian and Islam). “You Are Not Alone” is the product of a collaboration between triple NAACP Image Award winner Stanley Bennett Clay and Guyanese-born double NYABJ Award winner, journalist and national gay mental health activist Antoine B. Craigwell, who together embarked to push the envelope, shine a light in a dark, unspoken area in the Black community, to bring healing.

At its premiere, “You Are Not Alone”, featured live music, performances by artists who contributed music for the documentary, and of Black gay artists showing their artwork. Following the premiere, a moderated Q&A with panelists: “American Psychologist” Jeffery Gardere, Ph.D. the documentary’s co-executive producer; Stanley Bennett Clay, the director; Terrie Williams, author of “Black Pain”; and principal actors.

“A Black gay man dealing with depression should know that his mental illness is treatable and he need not suffer in silence; he is not alone,” says Craigwell, who created and produced the documentary. “If, by what I’m doing I could help stop one Black gay man from killing himself, then my work is done; his healing begins,” adds Craigwell.

Craigwell has been conducting discussion fora nationally on raising awareness of how Black gay men are affected by depression and focusing on its effect on the mental stability of the wider Black community. Drawing on research, these fora show the link between being depressed and contracting HIV, STDs, AIDS, suicide, and many other mental, emotional, physical traumas.

The documentary "You Are Not Alone" visualizes the pain and suffering Black gay men have and continue to endure; it breaks a taboo, and by speaking out about depression, those who shared their experiences hope their stories would help others not to feel trapped and alone, that there is hope,” Craigwell explained.

Interview on Sunday, October 2, 2016 – Here and Now, ABC7 New York