In crisis? Call or text 988 for 24/7 support. For immediate danger, call 911.

Earnie's Light Foundation logo — purple winged guitarist surrounded by teal and purple candles
Earnie's Light
Light & Voice for Suicide Prevention and Awareness
The Earnie L. Sledge II Foundation

Light & Voice for
Suicide Prevention
and Awareness.

Earnie's Light honors the legacy of Earnie L. Sledge II by bringing suicide prevention and awareness, youth empowerment, family support, and healing resources to teens, young adults, and communities across Euclid, Cleveland, and Northeast Ohio.

Founded by Angelique A. King, RN, BSN, after the loss of her son Earnie at age 19 — turning pain into purpose so other families can find hope and light where they may see none.

Donate — Coming Soon VolunteerPartner With Us Get Help: 988
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Based in Euclid, OH Suicide Prevention · Youth Voice · Family Healing
Earnie's Light logo — a winged guitarist between teal and purple memorial candles, symbolizing legacy, music, and hope

Our Story

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Earnie's Light was founded in 2026 by Angelique A. King, RN, BSN, after losing her son, Earnie L. Sledge II, to suicide at the young age of 19. In the middle of unimaginable grief, Angelique made the courageous decision to turn pain into purpose by creating a foundation that helps prevent other parents, families, and communities from experiencing the same heartbreak.

Earnie's Light exists because one life lost is one too many. Through awareness, education, culturally relevant outreach, creative expression, mentorship, and family support, the foundation shines light into places where silence, grief, and hopelessness have lived for too long.

Young musician in marching band uniform holding a trombone — Earnie's Light youth music outreach
Teens performing music together at a community event supported by Earnie's Light
Angelique A. King with a loved one — family at the heart of Earnie's Light
Earnie's Light memorial logo
“Your voice matters. Your life has purpose. Light can still be found.”

Mission & Vision

Light Where Silence Lived

Our Mission

To honor Earnie's legacy by bringing awareness, education, and healing to communities most impacted by teen and young adult suicide. Through outreach, culturally relevant programs, and youth empowerment, we shine a light on hope, lift voices often unheard, and work tirelessly to save lives.

Our Vision

A world where every teenager and young adult feels seen, heard, and supported — where light replaces darkness, and every voice carries power to heal and inspire life.

Core Pillars

Four Lights We Carry

Awareness

Breaking the silence around teen and young adult suicide through open community conversations, awareness events, education, and outreach.

Voice

Elevating youth voices through self-advocacy, creative expression such as art, music, dance, and storytelling, youth voice, mental health awareness, and safe spaces for sharing experiences.

Light

Providing mentorship, resources, support, safe spaces, and pathways toward hope, healing, and life.

Legacy

Carrying forward Earnie's light and voice as lasting inspiration for families, youth, and communities.

Who We Serve

Supporting Teens, Young Adults, Families, and Communities

Teens

Safe spaces, peer support, and youth voice.

Get Support →

Young Adults

Resources for the transition years and beyond.

Get Support →

Parents & Caregivers

Tools, warning signs, and communication support.

Get Support →

Families Impacted by Suicide

Grief support, healing, and community.

Get Support →

Schools & Youth Programs

Prevention education and partnerships.

Get Support →

Churches & Community Groups

Culturally relevant outreach and gatherings.

Get Support →

Coaches, Mentors & Youth Leaders

Training and awareness resources.

Get Support →

Black & Underserved Communities

Culturally rooted support across Northeast Ohio.

Get Support →

Programs

Programs That Bring Light, Voice, and Hope

Light & Voice Youth Circles

Safe youth-centered conversations focused on emotional wellness, peer support, self-advocacy, and creative expression.

Earnie's Light Community Awareness Events

Community events focused on suicide prevention, family healing, mental health education, and connecting people to resources.

Voices Heard Creative Showcase

A youth empowerment showcase where young people use music, art, dance, poetry, and storytelling to express what they feel and what they need.

Parent Light Sessions

Supportive gatherings for parents and caregivers to learn warning signs, communication tools, prevention resources, and ways to support teens and young adults.

Walk for the Light

A signature annual awareness walk honoring Earnie's legacy, remembering lives lost to suicide, and encouraging hope, prevention, and community healing.

Be the Light Campaign

A community call-to-action inviting families, schools, churches, businesses, artists, and youth advocates to help bring suicide prevention and awareness into the community.

Awareness & Action

Know the Signs. Start the Conversation. Save a Life.

Warning signs may include

  • Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
  • Major changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or behavior
  • Giving away belongings or saying goodbye
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Talking about death or wanting the pain to stop
  • Sudden calm after a period of deep distress

How to help

  • Ask directly and calmly if they are thinking about suicide
  • Listen without judgment
  • Stay with them or help connect them to someone safe
  • Remove immediate dangers when possible
  • Call or text 988 for support
  • Call 911 if there is immediate danger
Get Help Now: Call/Text 988

Get Involved

Become a Light in Someone's Life

Earnie's Light welcomes volunteers, partners, schools, churches, nonprofits, mental health professionals, artists, musicians, dancers, local businesses, and community leaders who believe in the power of hope, healing, and prevention.

Volunteer With Us

Help with events, youth programs, outreach, creative workshops, mentoring, fundraising, and awareness campaigns.

Volunteer Form

Partner With Earnie's Light

Bring suicide prevention and awareness, youth empowerment, and family support into your school, church, organization, business, or community space.

Partnership InquiryHost an Awareness Event

Resources

You Are Not Alone — Support Is Available

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 — 24/7 confidential support.

Emergency Danger

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Parent Support Resources

Tools, warning signs, and communication guides for caregivers.

Youth Mental Health Resources

Support tailored to teens and young adults.

Grief & Family Healing

Resources for families impacted by suicide loss.

School & Community Education

Prevention training and awareness programs.

Downloadable Awareness Materials

Print-ready flyers, infographics, and toolkits.

Black Mental Health & Culturally Relevant Support

Culturally rooted resources and providers.

Earnie's Light provides community education and suicide prevention and awareness. This website does not replace professional medical, mental health, or emergency care.

Contact

Contact Earnie's Light

Angelique A. King, RN, BSN

Founder & CEO

Earnie's Light

The Earnie L. Sledge II Foundation: Light & Voice for Suicide Prevention

Send Us a Message

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Earnie's Light is a Euclid, Ohio 501(c)(3) nonprofit honoring the legacy of Earnie L. Sledge II through suicide prevention and awareness, youth empowerment, family support, and community healing.