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Initiative offers expert support and guidance to promote young adult emotional health and prevent suicide.

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND & NEW YORK — Fraternities and sororities shape the college experience for hundreds of thousands of students, and they can have a powerful impact on the emotional well-being of their members and broader campus communities. Today, Alph Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. announced its new partnership with The JED Foundation to protect mental health and prevent suicide among its members through participation in The JED Greek-Letter Organizations (GLO) programs. The Fraternity is a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), also known as the Divine Nine (D9), comprising nine historically Black Greek-Letter Organizations.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 20-24. Among young Black men ages 20-24, the suicide rate increased by 47% between 2018 to 2024, and for the first time in history, the suicide rate among young black men surpassed that of their white peers in 2024.

GLO provides evidence-informed guidance to fraternities and sororities committed to promoting emotional well-being and preventing suicide. JED’s GLO partnerships with fraternities and sororities — including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Delta Phi International Sorority, Inc., Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. — and higher education institutions like Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania represent nearly 1.2 million college and lifetime members.

GLO provides evidence-informed guidance to fraternities and sororities committed to promoting emotional well-being and preventing suicide. JED’s GLO partnerships with fraternities and sororities — including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Delta Phi International Sorority, Inc., Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. — and higher education institutions like Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania represent nearly 1.2 million college and lifetime members.

These partnerships aim to:

● assess and strategically plan organizational needs and priorities

.● strengthen substance misuse and hazing prevention training for staff, volunteers, alumni, and members using JED-developed workshops.

● support implementation tools, strategies, and techniques for measurable mental health improvements.

Founded at Cornell University in 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established by African American men. The fraternity was initially established as a study and support group for minority students. Since its founding, Alpha Phi Alpha has initiated more than 300,000 members across nearly 900 chapters internationally.

We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other.

We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTubeSource: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

JED GLO programs build on the JED report, Fraternities and Mental Health: Supporting Emotional Well-Being Among Members and Across Campus, which highlights how fraternities can impact mental health on college campuses. The report provides key recommendations for improving the emotional well-being of fraternity members and other students across campus. While fraternities can positively impact mental health by providing belonging and social connection, fraternity membership can also increase certain risky behaviors such as alcohol misuse and hazing participation, highlighting the need for programming that provides support for building healthy fraternity environments.

Contact Information

Eric Christopher Webb, DDiv., CPLCDirector of Communications/Editor of The Sphinx

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.ewebb@apa1906.net443-635-5911Justin Barbo,

PR DirectorThe Jed Foundationjustin@jedfoundation.org914-844-4611

After a two-year hiatus, Girl Power Rocks successfully brought back one of its signature fundraising events,

Jazz Under the Stars, attended by a large crowd of supporters who enjoyed an unforgettable evening of live music, community and purpose that included a special performance by the Girls’ Choir of Miami and a headlining set by soulful singer-songwriter Brooklyn Red.

During the magical evening, the organization raised funds to help expand opportunities for girls through music and arts education initiatives, including the Girls’ Choir of Miami.

The choir provides at-promise girls ages 7 to 17 from all walks of life with access to a year-round, high-quality music education program designed with their unique needs in mind. In addition to music training, choir members participate in leadership and mentorship activities that help build self-esteem, encourage academic achievement and promote cultural understanding.“Jazz Under the Stars represents the power of partnership and purpose,” said Thema Campbell, president and CEO of Girl Power Rocks. “The incredible turnout and energy throughout the evening demonstrated how deeply this community believes in uplifting and investing in our young girls.

“The success of Jazz Under the Stars reflects the strength and generosity of our community,” said Aisha Mannings, board chair of Girl Power Rocks.

“We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, supporters, volunteers and attendees whose contributions made this evening possible.

”The evening was hosted by community leaders Eric Knowles, Dexter Bridgeman and Bill Diggs. Sponsors and community partners included Carlton Davis III and the Davis Family Foundation, City National Bank, the Dade County Chapter of The Links Incorporated and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.Community members interested in supporting Girl Power Rocks and helping sustain programs that empower “at-promise” girls through mentorship, music and arts education are encouraged to become a Friend of Girl Power.

To learn more or make a contribution, visit https://www.girlpowerrocks.org/friendsofgirlpowerFor more information about Girl Power Rocks and its programs, visit https://www.girlpowerrocks.org/

About Girl Power Rocks, Inc.

Girl Power Rocks (GPR) is a Miami-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2000 and dedicated to empowering “at-promise” girls ages 11 to 17.

As a leader in trauma-informed, evidence-based youth development, GPR has created safe spaces, delivered critical support services and championed opportunities for thousands of at-promise girls to thrive.

The organization offers a wide range of programs and services, including its After-school Rocks Program, Girls’ Choir of Miami, Sister Circle Mentoring, STEAM Workforce Training Camp and Girls Intervention Plus Program (GIPP).For more information, visit www.girlpowerrocks.org. In addition, to stay connected with news and information, follow Girl Power Rocks on Facebook,Instagram, X and TikTok @GirlPowerMiami.

Includes a Story Time for Kids, Art Making, Musical Performance, and Workshops on Cookouts and Line Dancing

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) invites visitors to commemorate Juneteenth, the national holiday marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, with a dynamic slate of new exhibitions, public programs, culinary offerings and digital resources that emphasize reflection, creativity and community.

At the heart of this year’s observance is the museum’s Juneteenth Community Day on Friday, June 19, a joyful, all-ages celebration honoring the life, legacy and enduring impact of Opal Lee, affectionately known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” as she celebrates her 100th birthday later this year.

For exhibition details, program schedules, information about Juneteenth Community Day and access to the Juneteenth digital toolkit, visit nmaahc.si.edu/Juneteenth.“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder that freedom is both a historical milestone and an ongoing responsibility,” said Shanita Brackett, NMAAHC’s acting director. “At the museum, we honor Juneteenth by creating space for truth, remembrance and dialogue, and by celebrating the history of African Americans, the enduring pursuit of freedom and Ms. Opal Lee’s contributions.”

Juneteenth Community Day, Friday, June 19

The museum’s annual Juneteenth Community Day is a free, daytime, on-site program welcoming visitors of all ages to gather, reflect and celebrate. Inspired by Lee’s lifelong advocacy and commitment to community, this year’s programming brings together generations through storytelling, food, music and hands-on learning that focus on the meaning of freedom. Program highlights include:

NMAAHC Kids Juneteenth Story Time

11 a.m.–noon; Classroom, Level 2Designed for children ages 3–8, this program features a reading of Tonya Abari’s Let’s Celebrate Juneteenth, led by an NMAAHC Kids educator. Children will learn about Lee and create a colorful art project celebrating freedom.

The Juneteenth Cookout Playbook
Noon; Family History Center, Level 2
An interactive workshop exploring how to plan a Juneteenth cookout inspired by Lee’s favorite dishes, memories and traditions, highlighting food as an expression of heritage and community.

Juneteenth Art MakingNoon–3 p.m.; Classroom, Level 2Open to all ages, this hands-on experience centers the color red—symbolizing resilience and remembrance during Juneteenth. Visitors will create collages inspired by red objects and artworks from the museum’s collection.

Juneteenth Activation at the Museum’s StoreAll day; Heritage Hall, Level 1A curated selection of Juneteenth-themed apparel and books will be available, including:A Committee of One: How Faith + Action = A PurposeFULL Life by Opal LeeFirst Freedom:

The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth by Angélique RochéJuneteenth: A Children’s Story by Opal LeeOpal Lee and What It Means to Be Free by Alice Faye Duncan

Exhibitions and Museum-Wide Programming

As part of its Juneteenth observance, the museum will also debut two new fine arts exhibitions Friday, June 12, “Revelation: A Journey into Abstraction” and “Reset: Abstraction Embodied in Design.”

Together, the exhibitions explore how abstraction has shaped African American artistic expression across painting, sculpture, printmaking, furniture, textiles and lighting.

A fully illustrated catalog, “Revelation: A Journey into Abstraction,” edited by NMAAHC’s deputy director Dr. Michelle D. Commander and published by Rizzoli Electa, accompanies the exhibition and is now available for purchase in the NMAAHC store and online.

Visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/reset and https://nmaahc.si.edu/revelation for more information.

Throughout Juneteenth week and into the summer, the museum will offer additional on-site and virtual programs, including public talks, educational workshops and performances exploring the history and continuing significance of Black freedom.

NMAAHC will also participate in the Smithsonian’s annual Summer Solstice celebration on Saturday, June 20.

The celebration marks the official start of the summer season with events across the National Mall that feature art, music, performances and storytelling.Food, Culture and Digital Resources.

The museum’s Sweet Home Café will mark the occasion with a special Juneteenth-themed menu inspired by African American culinary traditions, offering visitors another way to celebrate the holiday through food and culture.

In addition to on-site experiences, NMAAHC continues to serve as a national resource through its Juneteenth website and digital toolkit, which include historical context, primary sources and educational materials designed for educators, families and community leaders to support meaningful Juneteenth observances nationwide.

About the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Since opening on Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed more than 13 million in-person visitors and millions more through its digital presence. Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting, and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. The museum continues to expand its reach through initiatives such as the Searchable Museum portal and other digital platforms. For more information, visit nmaahc.si.edu, follow @NMAAHC on X, Facebook, and Instagram, or call Smithsonian information at (202) 633-1000. 

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Jesse Wile’s After the Fall: How To Survive When Everything Collapses Delivers Practical, No-Nonsense Preparedness Strategies for Everyday People

Asbury Park, New Jersey- As natural disasters grow more frequent, global tensions rise, and critical infrastructure faces increasing vulnerability, one question is quietly becoming urgent for millions of Americans: what would you do if everything stopped working tomorrow? Author Jesse Wile is tackling that question head-on with the release of his new book, After the Fall: How To Survive When Everything Collapses, now available on Amazon Kindle.

From power grid failures and supply chain disruptions to economic collapse and civil unrest, the threats facing modern society are more complex and interconnected than ever before. Yet most people remain dangerously unprepared for even minor disruptions, let alone a full-scale collapse of the systems they depend on every day. After the Fall was written to change that — offering a compact, actionable guide that empowers ordinary people to take control of their safety and survival before disaster strikes.

WHAT THE BOOK COVERS

At just 80 pages, After the Fall is designed to be read quickly and referenced often. Wile strips away the noise and focuses on the core knowledge people need to survive when the world as we know it stops functioning. Key areas covered include:

Food and Water Security: How to source, store, and purify water and food when supply chains collapse and grocery store shelves go bare.

Shelter and Safety: Strategies for securing your home, relocating if necessary, and staying safe in an environment where law enforcement and emergency services may be unavailable.

Community and Communication: How to build alliances with neighbors and local communities to improve your collective chances of survival.

Medical Preparedness: Essential first aid and medical knowledge for when hospitals and pharmacies are no longer accessible.

Mental Resilience: How to maintain psychological strength and clear-headed decision-making under extreme stress and uncertainty.

Barter and Economy: Understanding what holds value in a post-collapse world and how to trade and negotiate for what you need.

WHY AT THIS TIME

The timing of After the Fall could not be more relevant. Recent years have seen unprecedented disruptions — from global pandemics and extreme weather events to economic instability and geopolitical conflict. Emergency preparedness, once considered the domain of fringe “preppers,” has entered the mainstream conversation, with government agencies and public health experts alike urging citizens to have plans in place for extended emergencies.

Wile’s book meets that moment with urgency and clarity. Rather than overwhelming readers with fear or complexity, After the Fall takes a grounded, practical approach — one that assumes the reader has no prior survival training and builds from the ground up. The result is a guide that is as useful for a suburban family as it is for someone living in a rural area.

Jesse Wile is a black survivalist and preparedness author dedicated to equipping ordinary people with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and their loved ones when society’s safety nets disappear.

His writing is rooted in the belief that preparedness is not about fear — it’s about empowerment. After the Fall is Jesse’s latest work, published on Amazon and available to read FREE on Kindle.

Festival to Close in Historic Overtown Featuring The HBO® Short Film Award Showcase and the Marsai Martin-Led Girl Dad Screening

LOS ANGELES, CA – The 2026 American Black Film Festival (ABFF), celebrating its 30th anniversary under the theme “Homecoming,” will conclude its five-day celebration with its annual Community Day, presented in partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The event will take place on Sunday, May 31, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater (819 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136) in Historic Overtown. Open to the public, Community Day brings together festival attendees and the broader community for a dynamic afternoon of film screenings, a vendor marketplace, and curated cultural experiences.

To reserve your spot, please click HERE.

This year’s program will feature the HBO® Short Film Award Showcase, along with an encore presentation of the world premiere film Girl Dad, written and directed by Solvan Slick Naim and starring Marsai Martin and Courtney B. Vance, and produced by Jamie Foxx, Datari Turner, Phil Thornton, Marsai Martin, and Josh Martin.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with members of the cast and creative team, including Marsai Martin.“It’s one of the most meaningful aspects of the festival for us,” said Jeff Friday, Cofounder & CEO of NICE CROWD and Founder of ABFF.

“We truly value our partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau in bringing this experience to the community. It reflects our ongoing commitment to making the festival more accessible across Greater Miami creating space for audiences to engage with the work, the culture, and the community in a way that’s open, inclusive, and aligned with the mission of ABFF.”

Community Day at the American Black Film Festival in Historic Overtown is incredibly important because it ensures that the power of storytelling, film, and culture is not only showcased, but also shared directly with the community that embodies so much of Miami’s rich heritage.

It creates an accessible space where residents, families, and emerging creatives can engage with the arts and be inspired by the possibilities within the film industry,” stated Connie Kinnard, SVP, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. Following is the schedule of live 2025 ABFF Community Day events.

For times, locations and more details, visit www.ABFF.com.

NICE CROWD creates platforms that celebrate groundbreaking artists and innovators while connecting brands, media, and audiences in meaningful ways. www.nicecrowd.com

More information about the American Black Film Festival (ABFF): https://www.abff.com/miami/  

Download HBO® Short Film Awards Showcase Films Key Art & Images HERE 

Download Girl Dad film still HERE, poster art HERE, filmmaker’s headshot HERE

Community Day Assets HERE

Purified Products has announced the release of Purified Products: A Guide to Creating Plant Based Health and Beauty Products at Home. It’s designed to teach readers how to make plant-based health and beauty products at home using simple, natural ingredients.

Written for readers who want cleaner, more intentional self-care routines, Purified Products offers practical guidance for creating products without harsh synthetic chemicals, helping support a more natural approach to daily wellness and beauty.

The book is intended to show how plant-based formulations can be used to build a safer, simpler routine for people who want greater control over what they apply to their skin and bring into their homes.

By focusing on chemical-free and plant-based alternatives, Purified Products highlights several benefits, including reduced exposure to unnecessary additives, a more sustainable approach to personal care, and the satisfaction of making customized products at home.

The book also appeals to readers looking for ingredients that are easier to recognize, easier to source, and aligned with a more natural lifestyle.

Purified Products is now available on Amazon. It is also available for Kindle readers through Amazon’s Kindle ecosystem, with promotional access options depending on the title’s enrollment and availability.

For readers interested in creating their own natural health and beauty products, Purified Products presents a straightforward guide to getting started with confidence.

About Purified Products

Purified Products. written by black author, McKenzie Miller focuses on helping readers discover simple, plant-based ways to create health and beauty products at home. The book is designed to make natural product-making approachable, practical, and accessible for anyone.