PROJECT BLACKBIRD is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and corresponding touring event which partners with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) and Talkspace to educate and help to shed shame around mental health, including eating disorders, substance abuse and other mental health struggles.

The one-hour live event includes a screening of the award-winning short film Blackbirdand a celebrity panel discussion featuring actors, influencers, NFL/NBA/Professional Athletes, and other mental health advocates alongside Project Blackbird founder Alexandra Miles, and encourages and empowers participants to confront mental health struggles in their lives that may be causing them shame in order to give those situations less power. Additionally, participants are provided with an on-site resource fair following the program, connecting campus, local, and national resources to begin the journey toward recovery and self-acceptance, and all student attendees are offered free therapy for a year paid for by Project Blackbird in partnership with Talkspace therapy providers. Watch Project Blackbird's promo video here for more information.

The organization has programmed at over 50 institutions and organizations, and has reached over 40,000 nationwide. Programming and the Free therapy initiative is presented at College campuses, high schools, Middle Schools, and for communities in need.

On the evening of May 8, 2026 we will celebrate the impact we have made to provide mental health safety, programming, and resources including covered therapy to thousands. We will also be funding this important cause to continue doing this work in 2026.

The evening will feature celebrity guests from our tour, honorees and legislators sharing their work and their voices of support, and performances from celebrity artists that champion mental health.

5:30pm VIP private stadium tours

*meet-and-greet with honoree

6:00pm Cocktail hour field-side

*candle making activation

*gifting suite (take home gifts with a mental health story from local artisans and vendors)

*open bar and Hors D’oeuvres

*activations and more!

7:00pm seated dinner

*honoree speeches

*performances

*hear our students’ stories

*special announcement to conclude the evening - celebratory cheers and dessert engagement

2026 Project Blackbird Gala

An evening to #ShedShame and support mental health for youth!