“Stigma is built in silence, disclosure is the only way to break it.” We like to think our choices are independent, but much of what we think, believe, and fear is conditioned by societal norms. Abdirahman Warsame’s powerful story of addiction, survival, and recovery reveals how breaking silence is the only way to dismantle the invisible forces that shape our world.Abdirahman is a Minneapolis-based activist, nonprofit leader, and advocate for addiction recovery in the Somali and East African communities. As the Co-Founder & Executive Director of Generation Hope, he has worked to bring culturally competent addiction recovery services to underserved communities. His spoken word pieces, documentary “The Forgotten Ones,” and advocacy have sparked critical conversations on mental health, trauma, and healing. Recognized with the International Somali Award and Public Health Hero Award, Abdirahman’s mission is clear: Challenge the way we see the world so we can change it. Abdirahman is a Minneapolis-based activist, nonprofit leader, and advocate for addiction recovery in the Somali and East African communities. As the Co-Founder & Executive Director of Generation Hope, he has worked to bring culturally competent addiction recovery services to underserved communities.His spoken word pieces, documentary 'The Forgotten Ones', and advocacy have sparked critical conversations on mental health, trauma, and healing. Recognized with the International Somali Award and Public Health Hero Award, Abdirahman’s mission is clear: challenge the way we see the world so we can change it. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx