Torre White
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Born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Torre White is a full time Federal Employee, an activist, entrepreneur, single parent of two, and first time author. All her life she has always held a passion for bringing to surface issues that most people deflect from. She is a strong believer in giving a voice the voiceless. Raised in low income housing in a single parent home, Torre knew at a young age that she could not let her circumstances determine her future. She has always been described as a person with a huge heart who is passionate, outspoken, determined, and outgoing. Thus far, in her lifetime, she has received various awards and recognitions for activism, community service and engagement, diversity inclusion, and creating new programs. Using her passion for activism she is an active member of AFGE, AFL CIO, and Coalition of Black Unionists, constantly fighting for workers rights. While, at the surface, Torre has always seemed to “have it all together” she has battled mental illness privately. At a young age she had to deal with situations many individuals do not deal with in a lifetime. Throughout her life she has witnessed domestic violence abuse in the home, witnessed a murder/suicide, been a victim of rape, been a victim of physical, mental, and verbal abuse all while continuously putting others needs ahead of her own.
Torre would spend many nights crying, being angry, and even orchestrating how to run away at a young age. Because she has always been fearful of her family’s reaction and opinions, she has always kept her struggle with anxiety and depression hidden. Growing up she was taught to be strong and “get over” certain situations, the “what happens at home stays at home” mentality, and the notion that mental illness is not acceptable in the black community and definitely not talked about in her family. It was not until November 2016, after attempting to take her own life that she realized this battle could not be fought alone. She reached out to her cousin who reached out to her doctor who diagnosed her with postpartum depression at the age of 26. Daily Torre is unraveling ways to cope with years of hidden depression and anxiety. She is continuously learning to not be afraid of her truth but instead using it to start the uncomfortable conversation surrounding mental illness in the black community.
