Dear Family,

Thank you for picking up this issue of ONYX Magazine. Without our community, we would not have made it to 27 years! Every year is a milestone for us as we grow our readers and our events. Please continue to support positive Black media and ask five friends to subscribe to ONYX Magazine. We want everyone in our communities to be informed about what’s important, because we have work to do. To start, we have a huge decision to make in just a few months: who will the president of the United States for the next four years? Research shows that the gap at the poles is caused by Black men. According to a Pew Research report, our brothers vote less than any other demographic. Let’s be intentional about making sure Black men are informed and ready to cast their votes on November 5. They could make the difference this nation needs. Also, our community has long turned to friends and family to help with mental health issues. While they are great resources, we must consider leaning on a community of experts. July is BeBe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. We can use the tools specialists have provide to help us get healthy. This issue has some easy-to-follow information. Finally, it’s summer and we want to get out of the house. In these pages are places to go and things to do—all as a family. Want to get in some pool time? We show you how to be safe. Want a quaint family getaway? We have just the island for you. Just be sure to get in the fun times before school starts back in the fall. Soon, you’ll be picking up school supplies, but you don’t have to guess. We have a great list to ensure your kids have everything they need. All this and a look at the status of Black businesses in America. As always, we aim to entertain, inspire and inform. We hope to see you soon at one of our upcoming events. Until then, enjoy your summer.