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.
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
Co-Founder/Student Ambassador
Currently, a senior at Howard University majoring in Communications, Noah is active in campus life, serves on the Leadership Council of Jack & Jill for America and is active in conversations with all communities in-regards to branding, networking and mental health issues.
Director
Mark Thierry is a serial entrepreneur from Houston, Texas. Since 2001, he has been the genius behind the launch, development and growth of many well-known (and unknown) brands across a variety of industries: medical device, federal procurement, staffing services, diagnostic testing facilities, sport goods, consumer, and wine & beverage.
Executive Director
For over 30 years, Bernstein has either built or represented the nation’s biggest African American media and/or entertainment brands/talent. No single individual has built and/or executed more successful Inspirational/Urban programs, especially those requiring TLC and cutting-edge techniques.
Event Host and Moderator
Joe Clair, host, comedian, radio personality and on-air veteran is no stranger when it comes to Washington, D.C. This native of Seat Pleasant, MD is the current host of WPGC’s 95.5 – “Joe Clair Morning Show”, taking the morning airwaves by storm and making the drive to work much more enjoyable for listeners across the DMV.
Greatness Coach
Dr. Michael Scimeca has been practicing in the field of wellness since 1993 with an almost incomprehensibly successful track record. Focused on healing mind, body, and soul through pioneering techniques. Dr. Michael created industry leading psycho-technologies and cutting-edge concepts like Forward Healing inspired to improve the ever-emerging person and help them to tap into their dynamic potentiality. He coined himself a “Greaterness Coach,” and has proven skills that empower and motivate patients to organically grown into happiness and actively engage in life.
