Jason Brockert speaks to the crowd at his “Speak Up For All of Them” rally last September. Brockert lost his son, Julian, to suicide. He is organizing a new event,”Breaking the Silence Fest at Exchange Park on May 30.
Photo submitted
Honoring Julian, a nonprofit dedicated to student safety and wellbeing, is hosting its inaugural Breaking the Silence Fest at Exchange Park on May 30. The Southern Rock band Saving Abel will headline the event, which will feature mentor health resources, vendor booths, a petting zoo, inflatables, martial arts demonstrations, food trucks and other family activities.
“This festival isn’t just about the music; it’s about building a foundation of integrity where apathy used to live,” said Jason Brockert, founder of Honoring Julian and father of the late Julian Brockert, who, at age 14, died by suicide in May 2024 after being a victim of bullying.
Since his son’s death, Jason Brockert has consistently spoken publicly at Dorchester School District Two Board of Trustees meetings advocating for more proactive steps toward addressing bullying.
In addition to a podcast about mental health and distributing out guitar picks in his son’s memory, Jason Brockert organized a rally during National Suicide Prevention Month last September whereby local musicians and artists talked about mental health, and a therapist answered questions one-on-one with people.
Brockert said the intent is for his anti-bullying and suicide message to reach community members beyond his own circle, according to previous reporting in the Summerville Journal Scene.
“We are bringing the community together to show every student that their struggle is seen and their safety is non-negotiable,” he has said.
Tickets for “Breaking the Silence Fest” can be purchased at tinyurl.com/rcaczxhp. The Exchange Park is located at 9850 US-78, Ladson.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988.