Spark Media

Spark Media We're a film & digital media company specializing in meaningful work that educates and inspires – It’s a message that’s more important now than ever.

Spark Media is a Woman-owned business, certified by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council. Our most recent documentary, Scattering CJ, explores the devastating effects of su***de, the extraordinary generosity of strangers, and one grieving family’s attempt to heal in the wake of unimaginable loss. Scattering CJ facilitates meaningful and impactful dialogue around the far-too-stigmatized

topics of mental health and su***de prevention. As the world faces a deadly pandemic, we’re also in the midst of a global mental health crisis that claims nearly a million lives annually. Despite the numerous challenges brought on by COVID-19 and thanks to passionate audiences and mental health advocates, Scattering CJ has continued to play a part in raising awareness through a robust virtual screening initiative. Some highlights include: a global screening event with thousands of audience members for International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day, a Capitol Hill program co-sponsored by 16 members of Congress, 8 state hosted programs, and dozens of independent community screenings. To learn more about Scattering CJ visit www.scatteringcjfilm.com. Interested in learning more about our other projects? Go to www.sparkmedia.org.

Be sure to check out the great discussion with Chris Haley on Conversations with Kenyatta!  We’ve been working with Chri...
08/19/2023

Be sure to check out the great discussion with Chris Haley on Conversations with Kenyatta!

We’ve been working with Chris since Partners of the Heart, where he played Vivien Thomas. He’s currently the host for our upcoming podcast The People's Recorder about the Federal Writers’ Project, and it’s been such a pleasure working with him.

This conversation with Kenyatta and Chris is full of insights on genealogy and family history and is definitely worth the listen. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts!

Kenyatta D. Berry, Host Genealogy Roadshow - PBS Soul of a People

https://www.buzz sprout.com/1668904/13378148

We just wanted to give a shoutout to a talented group of filmmakers and a wonderful project called Keepers of the Flame!...
08/17/2023

We just wanted to give a shoutout to a talented group of filmmakers and a wonderful project called Keepers of the Flame!

This is an important story, and we’re so excited to hear the short film will be screening tomorrow, August 18th at 10:45am at the DC Black Film Festival! Learn more and get tickets here: http://dcbff.org/2023-schedule

Here’s the story:
“On the eve of the 1913 inaugural Women's Suffrage parade, the formidable activist Mary Church Terrell, along with two leaders of historic African American Sororities, Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta, confront and challenge parade organizer Alice Paul, regarding the racist, exclusionary practices of the white suffragette movement, in order for black suffragettes to participate in the parade.”

We hope you check it out!

It’s been over 100 days, but the Writers Guild of America, East and Writers Guild of America West are committed to the f...
08/12/2023

It’s been over 100 days, but the Writers Guild of America, East and Writers Guild of America West are committed to the fight!

Writers are just asking for fairness: when studios invest millions into producing film or series, they can find it in their budgets to pay writers for the value they create!

We are saddened to hear about the passing of actor Angus Cloud from Euphoria.  His passing is a tragic reminder of the m...
08/01/2023

We are saddened to hear about the passing of actor Angus Cloud from Euphoria.

His passing is a tragic reminder of the mental wellness challenges so many of us and our loved ones face each and every day. If you or someone you know is in need of support, don't wait. Contact the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

Angus Cloud, one of the stars from the show "Euphoria," has died, his family confirmed in a statement to NBC News. His death comes just a week after he buried his own father.

Honored to share the latest review of Scattering CJ.  Thank you, Video Librarian for spreading the word and for the kind...
07/24/2023

Honored to share the latest review of Scattering CJ. Thank you, Video Librarian for spreading the word and for the kind words about the film and the conversations we are trying to start around mental health and su***de prevention.

The film is now available for educational distribution with New Day Films and on Kanopy. Learn more here: https://www.newday.com/films/scattering-cj

Much more than just one family’s story of tragedy and grief, this documentary opens doors for discussions about loss, empathy, grief, hope, depression, and of course su***de.

Writers are not the only ones struggling under the current industry business model. That is why we are supported by ever...
07/14/2023

Writers are not the only ones struggling under the current industry business model. That is why we are supported by every major Hollywood union and political and community leaders across the country. And now SAG-AFTRA Writers Guild of America, East and Writers Guild of America West are striking together, making history while fighting for fair contracts.

Did you know that if your library has Kanopy, you can now see Scattering CJ for free?  You can watch the film here: http...
07/13/2023

Did you know that if your library has Kanopy, you can now see Scattering CJ for free?

You can watch the film here:
https://www.kanopy.com/en/product/scattering-cj

Kanopy is a leading streaming platform that partners with local libraries to bring you meaningful, thoughtful and enriching programming. We're proud that Scattering CJ is now on Kanopy and also available for educational distribution at New Day Films!

Thank you Virginia Humanities for this great interview with co-producer and lead writer David Taylor, and thank you for ...
07/11/2023

Thank you Virginia Humanities for this great interview with co-producer and lead writer David Taylor, and thank you for being one of the early supporters for The People's Recorder podcast!

Hear the trailer here and sign up for updates at https://www.peoplesrecorder.info!

Supported in part by Virginia Humanities, The People's Recorder is a podcast on the Federal Writers' Project (FWP) and its lasting impact on American history, arts, and culture.

Happy Birthday, Margaret Walker! Author of For My People, Jubilee, and much more.  She was a member of the Federal Write...
07/07/2023

Happy Birthday, Margaret Walker! Author of For My People, Jubilee, and much more. She was a member of the Federal Writers' Project in Chicago, as well as being a teacher, guide, and truth-teller.

“The WPA accomplished what nobody believed was possible at that time,” Walker wrote, “a renaissance of the arts and American culture. It afforded some of the most valued friendships in the literary history of the period.”

We are saddened to hear about the passing of CoCo Lee. Her groundbreaking career and unmatched singing voice inspired au...
07/06/2023

We are saddened to hear about the passing of CoCo Lee. Her groundbreaking career and unmatched singing voice inspired audiences the world over.

Her passing is a tragic reminder of the mental wellness challenges so many of us and our loved ones face each and every day.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, don't wait to get support. Contact 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

Lee, known for performing an Oscar-nominated song from the film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” died Wednesday after a su***de attempt, her family said.

07/03/2023

After last week's Throwback Thursday, we wanted to share another clip with Malique from The Pact - Documentary!

We’ve always loved when Malique attends the book signing event with The Three Doctors and talks about being so inspired by their work!

You can learn more about The Pact at thepactthemovie.com or watch it now for free on Tubi!

A fun Throwback Thursday today!  While organizing the Spark archives, we came across this wonderful picture of Malique f...
06/29/2023

A fun Throwback Thursday today! While organizing the Spark archives, we came across this wonderful picture of Malique from The Pact. We met Malique while we were filming The Three Doctors at a book signing, and he became an important part of the documentary (as well as the “narrator,” reading important passages from the Three Doctors’ book throughout the film!). Finding treasures like this is one reason why we love re-organizing the files every once in a while!

06/27/2023

We’re kicking off New Day’s first in-person Annual Meeting since the pandemic. It’s also the first Annual Meeting without our co-founder Julia Reichert, who passed away at the end of last year. Her spirit lives on in all our independent filmmakers who make films about important social issues.
❤️🎥
If you want to join the New Day and learn more about our unique filmmaker-owned co-op, visit http://newday.com

[Image Description: A group of 10 New Day filmmakers stand in front of a screen holding images of New Day co-founder Julia Reichert.]

70 years ago the American Library Association and the Association of American Publishers signed an agreement affirming e...
06/27/2023

70 years ago the American Library Association and the Association of American Publishers signed an agreement affirming every American’s right to read. That agreement is so important now more than ever.

It’s important that we all unite in efforts against book bans. Learn more about those efforts here: https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/FreedomToRead/?fbclid=IwAR2LZ-RoTe2F2QDYA1Gd-CNpoYb-ZADkjDfFD8bUQrADobFV9vASkzjl6V0

In 1953, ALA and the Association of American Publishers signed an historic statement affirming every American's Freedom to Read. https://bit.ly/3JxOeJY
Today we celebrate this anniversary by recommitting to this core value. Join us & sign on in support of everyone's right to read:

We are saddened to hear about the passing of South Korean YouTuber Lim-Ji-hye. South Korea is facing a mental health cri...
06/25/2023

We are saddened to hear about the passing of South Korean YouTuber Lim-Ji-hye. South Korea is facing a mental health crisis and has had the highest rate of su***de among developed nations for the last 2 decades.

But it is good to hear that the government is working on new plans to face the crisis, including more community-based prevention efforts, mental health checkups, and more funding for counseling.

Each time su***de rears its ugly head in the national press, it serves as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue about prevention.

Take the time to check in with your family and friends. Even if someone seems happy on the outside, you never know what internal battles they are facing.

Across the world, livestreamed su***des are becoming increasingly common, sparking concerns about the psychological impact on viewers of such broadcasts.

06/23/2023
06/23/2023

We !!!

Brown Girls Doc Mafia is a terrific group that is disrupting inequity in the documentary industry! The BGDM supports BIPOC women and nonbinary artists and professionals, providing industry connections, fellowships, workshops and “pathways to connect with the larger documentary community.”

BGDM could use our help now. They are on a mission to raise $250,000 and recruit 5000 new allies by July 25th to help support their important programming!
https://browngirlsdocmafia.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/browngirlsdocmafia/publicFundraiserList.jsp?campaignId=6&fbclid=IwAR0QvJWwKE4z7FI_Waf6BvvU9N3l9bBbK-fYlVUEn6D0JMQs9dztDzpVL90

Brava, Brava to our dear friend, the venerable and luminous Ella who returned to the stage for the first time since the ...
06/21/2023

Brava, Brava to our dear friend, the venerable and luminous Ella who returned to the stage for the first time since the pandemic!

Many challenges had to be overcome to make this comeback happen. It was not easy. But Ella is unstoppable. Drag has always been about resistance and DC's drag legend of 40 years embodies and lives each day the words of The First Lady of Song: "Don't give up trying to do what you really want to do..."

We appreciate you Ella for never giving in. We’re in the fight alongside you always.

Washington Blade

Donnell Robinson on 40 years as a performer and the current political backlash against drag

06/19/2023

Today is Juneteenth, when word reached Texas that slavery was abolished and that freedom was now the law of the land.

When the Federal Writers’ Project first started documenting stories of everyday Americans, they realized that over 100,000 people who had suffered through slavery were still alive. The workers on the Project knew the importance of preserving their stories.

We’re sharing a clip from our film Soul of a People about the importance of documenting these firsthand accounts, and we are eager to delve more deeply into these stories with our upcoming podcast The People's Recorder, which is being supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities, Florida Humanities, Virginia Humanities, Wisconsin Humanities, California Humanities and Humanities Nebraska.

Go to www.peoplesrecorder.info to subscribe to our mailing list and we will let you know when the show is released later this year!

Such an insightful and amazing "Rewriting America" event at The Library of Congress about the importance of the Federal ...
06/17/2023

Such an insightful and amazing "Rewriting America" event at The Library of Congress about the importance of the Federal Writers’ Project and its relevance to today.

Energized and inspired to continue work on our podcast about the Writers’ Project, The People's Recorder!

Sign up for updates here: www.peoplesrecorder.info.

Thank you National Endowment for the Humanities, Florida Humanities, Virginia Humanities, Wisconsin Humanities, California Humanities and Humanities Nebraska for supporting this Project!

06/15/2023
Inspired by these pictures from our colleagues in France, New Zealand and Costa Rica!  Guilds around the world understan...
06/14/2023

Inspired by these pictures from our colleagues in France, New Zealand and Costa Rica! Guilds around the world understand that solidarity with U.S. writers is important for raising standards globally. Their fight is our fight, and ours is theirs.

Today is International Day of Solidarity and the WGA's sister guilds will take action in cities around the world and online in support of the . See the growing list of actions at https://rb.gy/bogka



WritersGuild West Writers Guild of America, East

Paulo Soto Jérôme Vieilledent Luis G. Portillo

06/14/2023

In the midst of civil war, an unusual alternative changed a nation

Thank you Virginia Humanities for supporting The People's Recorder!  We're so excited to be working on this podcast.  Po...
06/14/2023

Thank you Virginia Humanities for supporting The People's Recorder! We're so excited to be working on this podcast.

Podcast producer and lead writer David Taylor will be participating in this Library of Congress symposium, which is free and open to the public. We think everyone should check it out!

This guide provides information and resources for an educational symposium on the Federal Writers Project to be hosted by the American Folklife Center June 16, 2023 at the Library of Congress. Symposium Description

CJ’s father John is on the The Leftover Pieces podcast with other dads sharing their own personal stories.  Among the to...
06/12/2023

CJ’s father John is on the The Leftover Pieces podcast with other dads sharing their own personal stories.

Among the topics they discuss is the stigma surrounding men talking about their own mental wellbeing. This is such an important topic, and we hope it will encourage people to have more open discussions about su***de and mental health. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts!

To say I’m proud of John is an ENORMOUS understatement. He’s introverted by nature and not one to talk openly about his feelings.

When Melissa Bottorff-Arey asked me if John would be willing to participate in this podcast I told her I didn’t think he would.

When he said yes, I was floored.

Although he knew how gratifying it was for me to do her podcast previously, I still didn’t think he would or could step out of his comfort zone and participate.

In honor of Father’s Day next weekend, Melissa released the podcast today.

I heard it for the first time.

It was hard to hear John struggle with his emotions but it reiterated what I already know - he is an amazing man and the rock of this family but one who has kept too much inside for too long.

Not sure this marks the beginning of John’s willingness to talk about all things connected to CJ’s su***de and how it crushed him, but it’s at least one step in that direction.

https://theleftoverpieces.buzzsprout.com/1457929/13014490-a-dads-roundtable-discussion-three-dads-talk-grief-loss-feelings

Some exciting news this weekend.  Spark is now on TikTok!  Hop on over and join us at !
06/10/2023

Some exciting news this weekend. Spark is now on TikTok!

Hop on over and join us at !

Such a fun shoot this weekend with the Drivin South Band!  These guys know how to rock!Thanks for the great night, Drivi...
06/06/2023

Such a fun shoot this weekend with the Drivin South Band! These guys know how to rock!

Thanks for the great night, Drivin' South Band! Looking forward to the next show!!!

06/02/2023

Need something to watch this weekend?

We’re excited to share the news that The Pact - Documentary is now available on Tubi! The Three Doctors and their story of perseverance continues to inspire us to this day. We know you’ll be just as inspired!

Meet Viviane Silvera, one of the amazing filmmakers at New Day Films.  Her terrific film See Memory portrays a young wom...
06/01/2023

Meet Viviane Silvera, one of the amazing filmmakers at New Day Films. Her terrific film See Memory portrays a young woman’s journey to understand and come to terms with her memories. Animated with over 10,000 painting stills, the film reflects on memory, trauma, and imagination. Check it out here!
https://www.newday.com/films/see-memory

You can listen to Viviana talk about See Memory today at 2pm at a free New Day event: “Reframe and Refresh: Understanding Memory Family Trauma and Divorce Through Film”. RSVP here: https://Reframe61.EventBrite.com

Get to know Viviane Silvera and her mesmerizing film, See Memory. Animated with over 10,000 painting stills, this film reflects on memory, trauma, and imagination. newday.com/news/2023-05-26-meet-new-day-viviane-silvera-0

Don’t miss Viviane discussing See Memory TODAY at 2pm ET on our upcoming Reframe & Refresh: “Understanding Memory, Family Trauma and Divorce Through Film". RSVP: https://Reframe61.EventBrite.com

[Image Description: photo of a woman with dirty blonde hair looks at the camera as she sits in front of a painting. The image is set on an orange background with text reading Meet New Day Viviane Silvera See Memory. The New Day Films logo is on the bottom right corner.]

Honored to have Scattering CJ included in this list of documentaries from New Day Films that focus on mental health.  Th...
05/31/2023

Honored to have Scattering CJ included in this list of documentaries from New Day Films that focus on mental health. These films explore the range of ways in which people experience, confront and navigate daunting challenges with dignity, bravery and resilience.

We hope you’ll check out this list of amazing documentaries from a great group of filmmakers:
https://www.newday.com/news/2023-05-15-films-that-take-a-personal-look-at-mental-health

05/31/2023

Join us on Thu 6/1 at 2pm ET for a discussion on “Understanding Memory, Family Trauma and Divorce Through Film”. We’ll discuss the effects of divorce on children and teens as documented in Split UP: The TEEN Years and the power of memory and healing through art as seen in See Memory. 💜

Register here: reframe61.eventbrite.com

[Image description: Graphic with orange background and purple gradient half circles on corners. New Day Films Logo in bottom left corner, text reads Reframe and Refresh Thursday June 1 2PM ET. Five photos of people in circles Ellen Bruno filmmaker Split UP: The TEEN Years, Viviane Silvera, filmmaker, See Memory, Alan Oda, Professor of Psychology Azusa Pacific University, R. John Williams, Associate Professor of English and Film & Media Studies Yale University, Chithra Jeyaram filmmaker Foreign Puzzle.]

05/31/2023

This guide provides information and resources for an educational symposium on the Federal Writers Project to be hosted by the American Folklife Center June 16, 2023 at the Library of Congress. Symposium Description

We hope you join this impactful conversation!  This webinar will discuss the effects of divorce on children and teens as...
05/30/2023

We hope you join this impactful conversation!

This webinar will discuss the effects of divorce on children and teens as documented in Split UP: The TEEN Years and the power of memory and healing through art as seen in See Memory, both truly wonderful films that can be watched on New Day Films at https://www.newday.com/

[Image description: Graphic with orange background and purple gradient half circles on corners. New Day Films Logo in top right corner, text reads Reframe and Refresh Thu 6/1/23 2pm ET Understanding Memory, Family Trauma, & Divorce Through Films. Five photos of people in circles Ellen Bruno filmmaker Split UP: The TEEN Years, Viviane Silvera, filmmaker, See Memory, Alan Oda, Professor of Psychology Azusa Pacific University, R. John Williams, Associate Professor of English and Film & Media Studies Yale University, Chithra Jeyaram filmmaker Foreign Puzzle. Auto-captions available. Register free to join online Reframe61.Eventbrite.com]

A big congratulations to one of our Sparklers, Patrick Fullem, who just graduated with a Masters from Boston University ...
05/26/2023

A big congratulations to one of our Sparklers, Patrick Fullem, who just graduated with a Masters from Boston University School of Public Health! Patrick was a fantastic intern who worked with us when we were producing No Evidence of Disease, our documentary about GYN cancer awareness.

He said that when he first applied to BU, he mentioned that his work with Spark on the NED campaign is what inspired his path towards a career in health. We are so honored by that, and glad that he had such a great experience here. We certainly loved working with him!

Congratulations, Patrick!!

Love the tribute to Tina Turner from GBH!  Turner was truly one of a kind.  We will always see her as a symbol of persev...
05/25/2023

Love the tribute to Tina Turner from GBH! Turner was truly one of a kind. We will always see her as a symbol of perseverance and resilience. Rest in peace. You will be missed!

1,350 sq. ft. of simply the best on today's in Boston. Rest easy, Queen. 🙏

The 12-time GRAMMY winning artist's life and legacy remembered: bit.ly/4265nRd

“Today we say to Hollywood, all of labor stands behind the writers”  Check out the latest article from the The Hollywood...
05/24/2023

“Today we say to Hollywood, all of labor stands behind the writers” Check out the latest article from the The Hollywood Reporter about the Writers Guild strike.

Writers are just asking for fairness – when studios invest millions into producing a certain film or series, they can find it in their budgets to pay for the value writers create. Writers Guild of America, East Writers Guild of America, West

"Today we say to Hollywood, all of labor stands behind the writers," Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, said during Tuesday's Writers Guild picket outside 30 Rock, which also saw appearances from Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon.

Just got a nice note from a friend and colleague.  Last night they watched Partners of the Heart on Tubi!  This was our ...
05/24/2023

Just got a nice note from a friend and colleague. Last night they watched Partners of the Heart on Tubi!

This was our first feature documentary and has a special place in our hearts, and you can see it for free on Tubi now!

Spring into savings with 30% off all New Day Films DVDs.  We’re proud to be a part of the New Day educational catalog, a...
05/23/2023

Spring into savings with 30% off all New Day Films DVDs.

We’re proud to be a part of the New Day educational catalog, and we encourage you to check the other amazing films they have on several important issues our country is facing today!

Visit NewDay.com and use MAYDVD30 at checkout!

Saddened to hear of the passing of Hugo Medrano, co-founder and producing artistic director at the GALA Hispanic Theatre...
05/23/2023

Saddened to hear of the passing of Hugo Medrano, co-founder and producing artistic director at the GALA Hispanic Theatre. Hugo was a true pillar of the theatrical community here in DC. He will be missed.

It is with great sadness that we announce that Hugo Medrano, co-founder and producing artistic director of GALA Hispanic Theatre, passed this morning surrounded by his wife Rebecca Medrano and sons.
Hugo was the longest-serving artistic director in the Washington, DC region and a pillar of the national Latino theater field. He and Rebecca founded GALA in 1976 and built an institution of international significance.

“Although we mourn his loss,” stated Jason León, chair of the GALA board of directors, “we also celebrate his artistry, vision, and leadership on behalf of the Latino community.”
“And as he would have wanted,” added Rebecca, “GALA will continue its programming with the same commitment of excellence, relevance and service to the community.”

Further details will follow as they become available.

Es con gran tristeza que informamos del fallecimiento de Hugo Medrano, cofundador y director artístico del Teatro Hispano GALA, esta mañana. Estuvo acompañado por su esposa, Rebecca Medrano, y sus hijos.
Hugo era el director artístico con más años de servicio en el área de Washington, DC, y un pilar del campo del teatro latino a escala nacional. Él y Rebecca fundaron GALA en 1976 y construyeron una institución de relevancia internacional.

El presidente de la Junta Directiva de GALA, Jason León, asegura que “aunque lamentamos su pérdida, también celebramos su talento, su visión y su liderazgo en favor de la comunidad latina”.
“Como Hugo lo hubiera querido, GALA continuará con su programación con el mismo compromiso de excelencia, relevancia y servicio a la comunidad”, afirma Rebecca.

Ofreceremos más información cuando esté disponible.

The GALA Family | La familia GALA

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We are Spark Media. From multiple award-winning documentaries to advocacy campaigns to innovative programming on the digital frontier, our work is about creating stories that connect people and ignite social change! Learn more at http://www.sparkmedia.org

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Scattering CJ: www.scatteringcjthemovie.com Klandestine Man: www.facebook.com/StetsonKennedyMovie Sonata Mulattica: www.facebook.com/SonataMulattica

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Very honored to be part of the prestigious SICA Film Festival in Turkey this June! To all our friends in Turkey, be sure to check out First Lady of the Revolution / Primera Dama de la Revolución on June 15 at 4pm and June 17 at 6pm at the Cankaya Cultural Center in Ankara!

Thank you Embajada de Costa Rica en Turquía for coordinating this exciting screening.
Humanities.Games goes international!

Really enjoyed our demo this evening for the students at Liceo de Puriscal in Costa Rica! We can't wait to see what games they come up with!

Thank you again to the National Endowment for the Humanities for supporting this platform that enables learning through the act of creating an educational game.
Spark Field Trip at the Van Gogh Expo. We learned a lot about this troubled genius, and found ourselves very inspired by the exhibit’s creative way of telling his story.
Veterans Know: Reaching out for support can be uncomfortable, but taking action for your mental health is important.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has started a new initiative called Make the Connection, where people can hear stories and advice from veterans who found the resources to help them manage their mental health challenges. This Mental Health Month, visit www.MakeTheConnection.net/MHM to learn more.
Today is Mental Health Action Day! This is the day where we all need to come together to “shift our mental health culture from awareness to action.”

This year’s theme is CONNECTION as people of all ages continue to seek out ways to cope with loneliness stemming from the pandemic and turn to peer counseling to support their emotional wellbeing.

So let’s spread the word that we can take actions to improve our mental health just like our physical health. It’s a good day to challenge ourselves to be present, to ask the difficult questions, to listen, and to help others be seen.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) just announced that the recently formed Su***de Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee will be led by Dr. Gayle Iwamasa, a mental health expert from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

This Committee is such a positive step for addressing the mental wellbeing of our veterans who deserve as much support as they can get. As Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin wrote in March when the Review Committee was first established:

"We have the strongest military in the world because we have the strongest team in the world. It is imperative that we take care of all our teammates and continue to reinforce that mental health and su***de prevention remain a key priority. One death by su***de is one too many. And su***de rates among our service members are still too high. So, clearly we have more work to do."

https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/3034968/dod-names-lead-for-su***de-prevention-and-response-independent-review-committee/ #.YoRAjnanKzo.twitter
What an exciting way to end the week! We’re thrilled to share the news that California Humanities has awarded us a grant for The People’s Recorder, our podcast about the Federal Writers’ Project.

California Humanities is supporting a lot of amazing projects this grant cycle, and it is such an honor to be among this terrific and creative group of producers and artists!

https://calhum.org/cdp-2022-awards/
May is Mental Health Month, an important time for us all to have important discussions about mental wellness and awareness.

We also need to support our veterans. The Department of Veteran Affairs has started a new initiative called Make the Connection, where people can hear stories and advice from veterans who found the resources to help them manage their mental health challenges. You should check it out at https://www.maketheconnection.net/MHM.
Congratulations to our good friend Chris Haley whose book Fists and Rainbows has hit #1 among New Releases in African Poetry!

We've worked with Chris a number of times (as an actor in Partners of the Heart and as one of the narrators in our People's Recorder podcast). In addition to being a great actor and historian, he is also a terrific writer and poet. Definitely check out his work!!

https://www.amazon.com/Fists-Rainbows-CHRIS-HALEY/dp/8182539226/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=fists+and+rainbows+chris+haley&qid=1651865851&sprefix=fist+and+Rainbows+%2Caps%2C57&sr=8-1
A rocking crowd tonight at the The Birchmere to watch GOODING perform. Such a thrilling and exciting show!

We always like to see Gooding when he comes to town. We’ve worked with him a couple of times, most recently on Scattering CJ, and he is a genius musician, a generous collaborator and always a joy to work with. Rock on, Gooding!
We are saddened by the tragic passing of country music icon Naomi Judd after her lifelong battle with mental illness.

As an advocate for mental wellness, Judd was outspoken about her own experiences and the necessary support we can all seek from our loved ones.

In her memoir she wrote, “Even in the darkest days, I was never blinded to the compassion from my beloveds who continually reached down with loving hands and lifted me out of my harrowing nightmare of despair.”
We are always excited to see what our former Sparklers are working on! We just heard this terrific episode from the Scienceline podcast about Tuvan throat vocalists. The episode was produced and narrated by Allison Parshall, who interned with us in 2020. Nice work, Allison. We can't wait to hear more!

https://soundcloud.com/scienceline/how-tuvan-vocalists-sing-two-notes-at-once?utm_source=scienceline.org&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=widget&utm_content=https%253A%252F%252Fsoundcloud.com%252Fscienceline%252Fhow-tuvan-vocalists-sing-two-notes-at-once
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