+ by Rahsaan “Wordslave” Eldridge + photos courtesy of Speak Your Truth
Purpose is deeper than its denotation of being the reason something is done. For many it’s a driving life force. For Tyler Calabrese, PsyD, and David Idemudia, LSCW-C, the cocreators of the mental health awareness group Speak Your Truth (SYT), purpose is fulfilled through helping people.
As someone who values being of service to others, Calabrese has been empathetic and interested in people his whole life. He was often the person to whom others came for support. Being of service was a family value. His father worked as a physician and his mother was a homemaker who made him enroll in a psychology class in high school, which set up his future. He continued to study the topic in college, eventually earning an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s and doctorate in clinical psychology.
Idemudia is a licensed clinical social worker, but his journey as a mental health professional began long before he attained any letters behind his name. In a previous life when he worked at a gas station, he built a rapport with customers. One day, a regular customer, who struck Idemudia as rigid and hard because he usually made purchases with little engagement, shared a deeply personal story about a family matter that was weighing on him. He told Idemudia he was afraid. Idemudia offered a listening ear and reassurance. The man wept and thanked him, promising to come back with updates. For Idemudia, the experience reinforced the power of being present and connecting with another person.
Calabrese’s and Idemudia’s paths crossed when they met as volunteers for the Anne Arundel County sector of National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), a grassroots organization that offers programs and services dedicated to challenging stigma, championing supportive policies, building stronger communities, and supporting and empowering individuals and families affected by mental illness. One day, Calabrese and Idemudia were asked to plan a five-kilometer run fundraiser. The idea didn’t appeal to them because they both felt events like that were sometimes disconnected from the cause too often failing to raise meaningful awareness about the issue. However, after some brainstorming they landed on the idea of an open mic where people could use art to express their struggles, recovery, victories, and general experiences navigating mental health challenges. And just like that, SYT was born.
If mental health awareness is a destination, art is the car SYT uses to get there. Calabrese and Idemudia view art and mental health as symbiotic. Their shared affinity for the arts shaped their approach, leading them to use it as a vehicle for outreach and education. “I had, like, almost a minor in art history and just kind of cognitively, emotionally, spiritually . . . art affects me. I don’t think it’s any secret how much art, emotions and mental health kind of play into each other. So, yeah, it just sort of seemed like a no-brainer,” says Calabrese.
The arts have long played an important role in Idemudia’s life. He writes poetry and loves to sing. In the earlier phases of SYT he performed, highlighting his stage fright in hopes he’d encourage others to share. As the event has grown and participation has increased, he has been mindful of allowing the event’s participants to take center stage.
Calabrese recalls the first open mic as small but impactful. Artists used their talents to help destigmatize the topic of mental health and create community for people who are struggling.. Calabrese saw artists’ confidence on stage as a source of empowerment and normalization. He was encouraged by the reaction of the audience and knew it was something to build on.
The two cofounders don’t do it alone. The SYT crew consists of executive director Joe Gagliardi, also an improv actor, stand-up comic, and two-time Iraq War veteran; board member Tamara “Ms. TeeKay” Kumoji, also a multidisciplinary artist; coach, consultant, and board member Jennifer Cooper; press liaison and board member Christine Russell, who is also an occupational therapist; and event emcee and board member Malcolm McFadden, who is also a comic book writer. McFadden and Calabrese met at one of McFadden’s open mics. The inspiration behind his events was to raise awareness for mental health after he lost a friend to suicide. Shortly after meeting with Calabrese, McFadden began working with SYT.
While the crew handles outreach, promotions, and other business functions, volunteer artists provide entertainment and other essential skills vital to the success of the open mic. Hip-hop artist Stan Kellz, wellness consultant Dr. Vivid, and singer-songwriters Carly Winter and Laura Brino have contributed their musicianship to the event. And visual artist Courtney Schoberlein has created flyers and a grind box for the organization’s new Skate Session events—a celebration of skateboard culture and mental health.
SYT has evolved to include variety shows, fashion shows, mosh pits, and skate sessions. It features workshops, art, food, and wellness vendors who set up at the open mics. Within the last three years the organization has expanded into Washington D.C.; Bethesda, Maryland; Stevensville, Maryland; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with hopes of adding more shows in more cities. In July 2026, the organization celebrated its tenth anniversary in the event’s home city of Annapolis, held at ArtFarm Studios. Co-owner Darin Gilliam is McFadden’s sister and has been a longtime collaborator.
While many people who become involved with SYT have a personal interest in mental health or art, it’s not necessary to be an artist or a mental health professional to support its mission. Attending shows, volunteering, performing, vending, and spreading the word all support the cause, Calabrese believes the simple act of changing the language one uses to speak about mental health and people with diagnoses can go a long way to help destigmatize mental health. He has seen progress especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Although he recognizes there’s more work to do, Idemudia reminisces over SYT’s 10 years with pride for the work they’ve done and the people they’ve affected by literally holding space for them.
Committed to providing mental health resources and services to the public, SYT continues to offer support while spreading the message that it’s okay to not be okay. And seeking help is a sign of strength. Above all, no one is alone. █
For more information, visit speakyourtruthcrew.com.
