BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —

Just months before her 31st birthday, Cheslie Kryst, the former Miss USA, a lawyer, and correspondent for Extra, took her own life by jumping from a 60-foot high-rise in Manhattan.

In recognition of Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, the Black Women's Mental Health Institute and Birmingham City Council member Crystal Smitherman are holding a book talk for Kryst's memoir.

The book, titled 'By the Time You Read This: The Space between Cheslie's Smile and Mental Illness-Her Story in Her Own Words', was finished by her mother, April Simpkins, as a final request from Kryst.

The book details Kryst's struggle with depression and often feeling like she wasn't good enough despite her successes.

"Suicide has such a profound impact on our society. It's the 11th leading ca

See Full Page