About Us
Together we can make a difference in the lives of HBCU students across America
Mental Health Awareness Initiative
The Arc12 Project is a historic partnership benefiting African American students, creators, influencers, HBCUs, and mental health initiatives.

OUR MISSION
The Arc 12 Project combines media and manufacturing with the express purpose of raising funds and creating programming supporting mental health awareness. With Executive Producers Gary Bernstein, Noah Thierry and Mark Thierry, in their first media project, “Open Lines” represents game changing content igniting a no holds barred discussion around mental health within the HBCU communities and particularly amongst young males.
Inspired by Howard University Senior Noah Thierry’s mental health journey, renowned media executive Gary Bernstein along with entrepreneur Mark Thierry are spearheading this ambitious movement designed to create a better understanding around mental health through media, education, and partnerships with participating mental health organizations.
Because candles have been a constant source of peace for Noah, the beautifully scented Arc12 candles are being manufactured in large quantities through Unity Brands Inc, a Texas-based, minority-owned manufacturing company, so significant funds can be raised to support mental health programs at the 101 HBCU campuses around the United States with retail locations at select Nordstrom stores nationwide.

Promote Mental Wellness and Support Mental Health on HBCUs across America

Connect Mental Health Professionals with Students and Young Adults

Create Positive and Welcoming Conversations around Mental Health

THE STATISTICS

  • The African American young adult population is being hit disproportionately hard in terms of mental health issues and the disturbing trend is exploding in the wrong direction.
  • Major depressive episodes increased by over 30% year-to-year amongst young adults 18-25 (6.1% to 9.4%).
  • Suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts are also rising among Black and African American young adults aged 18-25.
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2.4% made-an-attempt (111,000) in 2018, compared to 1.5% (70,000) in 2018.

9.5% (439,000) had serious thoughts of suicide in 2018 compared to only 6% (277,000) in 2008.

3.6% (166,000) made-a-plan in 2018, compared to 2.1% (96,000) in 2008.

OPEN LINES HBCU GOtv EVENT
Overview
The Arc12 Project: Open Lines was inspired and co-created by Howard University Senior Noah Thierry, bringing together HBCU students and young influencers battling severe mental health issues. Hosted by HBCU Morgan State alum /former social worker and television personality/ comedian Joe Clair, The Arc12 Project: Open Lines is a game changing no holds barred discussion surrounding each person’s individual mental health journey.

Whether it’s dating, sexuality, suicide, or cyber-bullying, the Arc12 Project: Open Lines goal is to engage, inspire, and empower the youth culture facing similar problems.

SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES AT HBCUs
Support us on this journey to provide awareness for mental health issues
ARC12 PROJECT EXECUTIVE TEAM
Meet the Team

BUY A CANDLE, SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH

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