Inspired by true events, Skindeep is a highly engaging short animated film - co-written with Dr. Robert Carter, Ph.D Professor of Psychology and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University - that uncovers the story of racial trauma beneath personal experiences. The film illustrates, for the first time ever, the full impact of systematic racism on people’s mental health, particularly women of color. The story starts after Dominique experiences an act of racism at a swimming event. When her account is denied by her coach, she embarks upon a journey within herself where she is confronted with the racial trauma

EmpowHer NY, founded by ballerina and activist Ingrid Silva, is a social catalyst that ignites conversation about women who are breaking societal limitations, and encourages open dialogues for topics that are difficult to face. Empowher NY believes the only way to achieve change is by shining a light on the unseen and bring it to everyone’s attention. It was for this exact reason that Empowher NY challenged The Bloc to expose the devastating effects racial trauma has on mental health after the sad events that led to the murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Racial trauma that, especially for black women, is often seen as an "exaggeration" or something they're "making up".

Skindeep is a short animated film that uncovers the story of racial trauma beneath personal experiences. The film illustrates, for the first time ever, the full impact of systematic racism on people’s mental health, particularly women of color. The story starts after Dominique experiences an act of racism at a swimming event. When her account is denied by her coach, she embarks upon a journey within herself where she is confronted with the racial trauma she has been carrying beneath her skin.

We’ve collaborated with Dr. Robert T. Carter, Ph.D., a forensic and organization consultant, licensed Psychologist, and Professor of Psychology and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. His research and writings have positioned him to serve as an expert witness in race-related cases, and his most recent area of inquiry is on the stressful and traumatic effects of racial discrimination. Race-based trauma can cause and/or exacerbate adverse health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and hypertension. Sufferers often do not directly discuss experiences with racism with healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals are not often trained to recognize the significance of racial issues or experiences. For the first time, the reality of racial trauma is not just told, but experienced.

Each frame of the Skindeep animation was hand-painted by female artists of color. All of the frames were painted on top of hundreds of news stories about racism that range from the 1920’s through present day. The intention was not to erase history, but add extra layers of complexity to it. For the first time ever, our film addresses the terrible mental health consequences associated with systematic racist events over time.

The film launched in April 2021, correlating with Mental Health Awareness Month and it was first previewed to more than one thousand psychology graduates, sparking the conversation within the academic community. Through Ingrid Silva's huge IG following alongside with EmpowHer NY's handle it has received more than 7 million views on the first day alone through Instagram stories. More than 3,200 people watched Dr. Carter's important lessons for both victims and therapists, with the potential of changing thousands of lives. The project engaged dozens of influencers, from Oscar-winning actresses and female directors to activists and bloggers. The response shows that the country is ready to look beyond the stories that everyone knows and to address the problems happening below the surface.