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About Us

Our Purpose

The Black Survivors of Sexual Assault (BSSA) Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is on a mission to inspire safety, love, and health within the Black community. 

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​Our primary goal is to provide a pathway of support and healing for Black survivors of sexual assault. We achieve this by delivering direct services to survivors and by offering culturally competent, trauma-informed training, and technical assistance to community-based organizations serving Black/African American survivors of sexual assault and abuse.

We understand that survivors deserve culturally responsive and trauma-informed services, which is why our team is committed to providing personalized care and support to those we serve.  We also believe that prevention and advocacy are key to creating a safer, healthier community. Our team provides technical assistance, prevention programs, and advocacy to inspire safety, love, and health in the Black community.

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Mission

At the Black Survivors of Sexual Assault (BSSA) Institute, our mission is to cultivate a culture of safety, love, and health within the Black community. Through our trauma-informed approach, we strive to provide a pathway of support and healing for Black survivors of sexual assault, ensuring they are seen, held, and heard. Our commitment lies in delivering personalized care and culturally competent services, empowering survivors to reclaim their narratives and thrive. We believe in the power of prevention, advocacy, and community engagement to create a safer and healthier environment for all.

Image by Florian Roost

Vision

The BSSA Institute envisions a future where every Black survivor of sexual assault finds pathways to healing and empowerment. Our vision is rooted in the belief that healing extends beyond individual journeys to encompass the collective well-being of the Black community. We envision our institute as a beacon of hope, where the healing journey is embraced within the context of cultural understanding and community support. By harnessing the power of connection, resilience, and advocacy, we strive to create a world where survivors are not only seen and heard but also empowered to reclaim their narratives and thrive.

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Value

At the BSSA Institute, our purpose is to serve as a sanctuary for Black survivors of sexual assault, safeguarding their sovereignty and dignity. We are dedicated to empowering Black women, girls, and gender-fluid individuals to advocate for their human rights and to pursue gender and racial justice. Through our efforts to eradicate sexual violence and ensure access to comprehensive reproductive health services, we aim to foster healing, resilience, and empowerment within the Black community.

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Our People

Staff

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CeCe Norwood

CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Rickita Johnson

PROGRAM MANAGER

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CeCe President

CO-FOUNDER & COO

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Storm Estes

OUTREACH MANAGER

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 Dr. Love Benton

VICE PRESIDENT OF PROGRAMMING

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Carolyn Wilson

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Email: cwilson@bssainstitute.org

Tel: (419) 460-1886

Consultants

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Dr. Kami Anderson

CONSULTANT, AFROCENTRIC HEALING MODALITIES

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Daemon Johnson

FINANCE MANAGER

Board of Directors

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Anthony President

PRESIDENTIAL CONSULTANTS, LLC

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Dr. Rachel Mitchum Elahee

VETERANS PSYCHOLOGICAL GROUP, INC. 

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Shandra Ingram

OAES VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

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Jackie Dogans

DOGANS BOOKKEEPING & TAX SERVICES

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Glynnise Highsmith

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Cierra Davis

OCVJC - VICTIMS’ RIGHTS ADVOCATE 

Our Partners

In our short time as an organization, we have developed strategic partnerships with organizations across the nation that are committed to healing for Black survivors and healthier Black communities including the National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community.

 

In March 2023, we were awarded a $250,000 two-year grant funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services.  The philanthropy department at RocNation, a portfolio of companies founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, provides coveted concert and event tickets for our survivors at no cost.  

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