WHAT WE DO
Edutainment, Health & Wellness: Mind, Body & Spirit
We create, programs, services and resources that serve our community in multiple ways. We believe in growing partnerships, collaborating and building community with and for our communities. We work with youth and families with the intention of support, education, prevention and intervention.
The PEARL Legacy in collaboration with The Silent Task Force presents Young Women of Purpose Project (YWOP) a community based, culturally specific program developed to serve teens and young adults who are a part of the African Diaspora, for this project, young ladies ages 12 to 17 years old. Our youth are at risk on every level of social, health, criminal justice, economic and educational crossroads. They are dying young, in many cases some don’t have positive family support and as well may experience family violence, (IPV), sexual assault or both. These are just a few of the issues our youth face every day. We feel it is absolutely necessary to provide a safe environment where coping skills, trainings and knowledge which speak directly to who they are as youth of the African Diaspora are accessible. Moreover, it is important for our youth to receive comprehensive workshops/training that provide opportunities to work on themselves, family and community, to ground and reconnect them to their culture through a combination of curriculums, trainings and workshops.
Since 2014, The Silent Task Force has planned many youth-focused and youth directed events. We presented a series of Teen Summits that were purposefully named, “Push, Pull, Restore and Shake Up The World!” The philosophical model in effect is, “we will push knowledge and historical facts, pull from personal stories, testimonies and restore each other through acknowledgement and validation. Together, we will shake the world with our brilliance! The Silent Task Force held 4 Teen Cohorts where youth facilitated conversations around the subjects of violence, equity, race and what matters today to youth. They shared their insights and brainstormed solutions that could affect real changes in their lives. They made wise decisions and exercised their critical thinking skills, showing initiative and caring for their peers. Unity and bonding in this shared community was the nexus of the progress that was achieved and provided at the summits. We have had at least 2 summits a year since 2014, and we will continue to encourage youth to build their voice, choice, advocacy and leadership skills.
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We are excited to introduce you to the Monarchs and Butterflies Project: a thoughtful, heartfelt approach to addressing the lack of prevention/intervention and support that black The Monarchs and Butterflies Project is a multi-cultural collaboration of skilled facilitators that bring a variety of skills such as: mentoring, advocacy, yoga and mindfulness as well as curriculum that encourages discussion about identity, history, coping skills, exploring emotions and transitioning to middle-school and the teen years.
This Program consists of live online zoom classes and encompasses engaging and interactive curriculum. We talk about what’s happening in our greater world, in the youth’s microcosm or world at home and in their neighborhood. We explore how these things affect their life, their understanding of history, their health and their character. We have one-hour extra-curricular classes for youth to choose from and we also engage parents around local resources, support and enhance their students’ school engagement. We have designed two school administration staff approved questionnaires for this project. One is for parents to communicate their specific needs and one is for the elementary school children. This is an opportunity provided for each of them to articulate their needs, their struggles or any topics they want additional information or support around. |
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“On My Grind” or OMG Work Development Life-Skills Program
An interactive and culturally engaging job training program for brown/black young people 13 to 24 years old. Our objective is to ensure that our young people understand the world they live in, the challenges and expectations in the workplace, and the realities (pro and con) of being a person of color in the work environment. We also teach them about self advocacy, fair treatment and their rights under federal and local laws. Specific skills covered are as follows;
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Click Image for more information on the Black Pearls curriculum.
The Black Pearls was born out of research at the University of Washington based on Intimate Partner Violence research. It was created with providers of Domestic Violence services in partnership with survivors of Domestic Violence. It gives voice to the experiences and credibility of African American women of all ages. Black Pearls empowers women of color to engage in therapeutic discussions about their experiences with abusive interpersonal relationships, both familial or social. It offers real world advice and creates the platform on how to find solutions in real time. Through exercises for individuals as well as role plays and discussions in a group format, it enables participants to support each other in creating responsible, loving and enduring relationships. Relationships they can be proud of, draw strength and hope from.
For more information on the Virtues Project, please click photo.
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We utilize the tools of the Global Initiative: “The Virtues Project™”. Designed to enlighten, uplift and call people to their higher self, the Virtues Project is used worldwide by educators, counselors and trainers to think introspectively about values and virtues. The Virtues Project uplifts each person who is exposed to it. The Virtues Project improves self-esteem, reduces violence and can be an effective tool that leads communities towards Restorative Justice. It has been utilized as an important restorative justice component that is effective around the country in schools and crime affected communities. Virtues has also been used to support being your best virtuous self in the workplace. So far we have trained over 100 city employees on the Virtues. Although they are the oldest practices in the world, virtues are essential to the true goal of education – intelligence plus character. Too many of our children are technical wizards and moral illiterates. Power plus control leads to violence. Power plus compassion transforms bullies into leaders. We inspire the practice of virtues in everyday life, sparking a global revolution of kindness, justice, and integrity.
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Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Awareness Education Workshops, Resources & Partnerships
As grassroots advocates who have worked on several intersecting issues which impact our community from: Domestic Violence for Women/Teens, Victim Perpetrator Treatment and the HIV /AIDS epidemic, we have found on both sides of the domestic violence movement many African Americans have grown up in dysfunctional homes with violence, sexual abuse, and other traumas related to domestic abuse. If you add the variables of substance abuse, poverty, the justice system and other institutions we find many are perpetuating what they have grown up witnessing and become participants of. Based on these issues mentioned and more we have realized many of these issues are not receiving the attention of the very community hardest hit. Our goal is to empower, educate and work with others to reduce these and other disparities.
Sexual Assualt, Intimate Partner & Domestic Violence Facts
The rates of intimate partner violence and sexual assault against women in the African-American community are alarming:
* The African-American community experiences domestic violence at greater levels than White Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos.
* In a national survey, 29% of African American women and 12% of African American men reported at least one instance of intimate partner violence. The number one killer of African-American females, ages 15 to 45, was homicide at the hands of an intimate partner or ex-partner.
* Higher rates of domestic violence in the African American Community are strongly related to higher levels of poverty and economic oppression. Black women comprise 8% of the U.S. population, but account for 20% of the intimate partner homicide victims.
* Domestic violence often re-occurs. A study of African American victims of domestic violence founds that in about half of the cases physical violence did not happen again - however, over 1/3 of women participating in the study reported one or more further incidents of severe domestic violence in the same year and one in six reported at least one less severe act of domestic violence.
* For every African American/Black woman that reports her rape, at least 15 African American/Black women do not report theirs.
* Approximately 40% of Black women report coercive contact of a sexual nature by age 18.
* The National Violence Against Women Survey (NVAWS) found that 18.8% of African American women reported rape in their lifetime.
* The African-American community experiences domestic violence at greater levels than White Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos.
* In a national survey, 29% of African American women and 12% of African American men reported at least one instance of intimate partner violence. The number one killer of African-American females, ages 15 to 45, was homicide at the hands of an intimate partner or ex-partner.
* Higher rates of domestic violence in the African American Community are strongly related to higher levels of poverty and economic oppression. Black women comprise 8% of the U.S. population, but account for 20% of the intimate partner homicide victims.
* Domestic violence often re-occurs. A study of African American victims of domestic violence founds that in about half of the cases physical violence did not happen again - however, over 1/3 of women participating in the study reported one or more further incidents of severe domestic violence in the same year and one in six reported at least one less severe act of domestic violence.
* For every African American/Black woman that reports her rape, at least 15 African American/Black women do not report theirs.
* Approximately 40% of Black women report coercive contact of a sexual nature by age 18.
* The National Violence Against Women Survey (NVAWS) found that 18.8% of African American women reported rape in their lifetime.
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The National Organization of Sisters of Color Ending Sexual Assault (SCESA) is an advocacy organization of Women of Color dedicated to working with our communities to create a just society in which all Women of Color are able to live healthy lives free of violence. Their purpose is to give voice and develop action strategies that incorporate and address the experiences and realities of Women of Color and Communities of Color.
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12 Things You Need to Know About
Sexual Assault That Will Change A Survivors Life
Sexual Assault That Will Change A Survivors Life
1. Justice looks different for each survivor.
2. The difference between dating a perpetrator and someone else is that a sexual offender will use the dating process to groom you. With a perpetrator the sexual experience that should be a natural part of dating will happen with or without your consent. There will be a sexual experience no matter what because sexual offenders believe that they have a right to get it and that is the intent to dating you. With someone else they will be like whatever and walk away if it doesn't work.
3. Sexual assault starts with grooming.
4. During the grooming process a sexual offender is breaking down boundaries and barriers in the relationship with the intent being to get something sexual from you.
5. The definition of Sexual Assault includes: Voyeurism, Exhibitionism, Foundling/Touching, Molestation, Child Pornography, Trafficking, Stalking, Sexual Harassment, Incest, Exploitation, Rape Invasive
6. Sexual Harassment is forced, intimidation, threats, manipulation, unwanted, of sexual nature, beyond rape; touch, irreversible, non consensual; includes grooming, not always physical
7. What is important is that someone believes the survivor.
8. Grooming that does not include touching is strategic so that the perpetrator can say, “but I didn't touch you”.
9. The context, how, who, what, where, when and why will determine the experience of the survivor.
10. How do we deal with sexual assault? Most often the survivors problem is not the sexual abuse itself but everything that comes after it and its impact on their lives, mind, body and spirit.
11. Most survivors believe that their body betrayed them in addition to the people who were suppose to take care of them.
12. The conversation of sex has to be different when rape or sexual abuse of any kind has been a girls or women's first experience of sex.
2. The difference between dating a perpetrator and someone else is that a sexual offender will use the dating process to groom you. With a perpetrator the sexual experience that should be a natural part of dating will happen with or without your consent. There will be a sexual experience no matter what because sexual offenders believe that they have a right to get it and that is the intent to dating you. With someone else they will be like whatever and walk away if it doesn't work.
3. Sexual assault starts with grooming.
4. During the grooming process a sexual offender is breaking down boundaries and barriers in the relationship with the intent being to get something sexual from you.
5. The definition of Sexual Assault includes: Voyeurism, Exhibitionism, Foundling/Touching, Molestation, Child Pornography, Trafficking, Stalking, Sexual Harassment, Incest, Exploitation, Rape Invasive
6. Sexual Harassment is forced, intimidation, threats, manipulation, unwanted, of sexual nature, beyond rape; touch, irreversible, non consensual; includes grooming, not always physical
7. What is important is that someone believes the survivor.
8. Grooming that does not include touching is strategic so that the perpetrator can say, “but I didn't touch you”.
9. The context, how, who, what, where, when and why will determine the experience of the survivor.
10. How do we deal with sexual assault? Most often the survivors problem is not the sexual abuse itself but everything that comes after it and its impact on their lives, mind, body and spirit.
11. Most survivors believe that their body betrayed them in addition to the people who were suppose to take care of them.
12. The conversation of sex has to be different when rape or sexual abuse of any kind has been a girls or women's first experience of sex.
King County CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) Task Force
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In April 2013, King County Superior Court Judge Barbara A. Mack chaired the first meeting of the King County CSEC Task Force. In February 2019, King County Superior Court Judge Regina Cahan became chair of the King County CSEC Task Force. The mission of the King County CSEC Task Force is to ensure the safety and support of commercially sexually exploited children (CSEC) and to prevent further exploitation. What is CSEC? Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) happens when a person buys, trades, or sells sex acts with a child under the age of 18.
IF SOMEONE IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 911, IF YOU SUSPECT A CASE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING, EITHER SEX OR LABOR, CALL THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE: 1.888.3737.888
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South King County Rising Together
S.K.C.R.T. I & II
S.K.C.R.T. I & II
Bryn Mawr Elementary School
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S.K.C.R.T I: EMERGENCY/DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM - A proactive disaster preparedness approach for brown/black families of school aged children in King County. This project was started in the Renton School District at Four Elementary schools as a prevention and preparedness approach. This model was tailored for the students at Bryn Mawr, Campbell Hill, Thorndyke and Lake-Ridge schools and their extended families that reside in the South King County areas of Renton, Skyway & Tukwila.
Why is this important? Because black/brown communities tend to have less access to disposable income and/or recreational camping and survival supplies. We tend to be less prepared for emergencies, have less positive outcomes when it comes to natural disasters or crisis response. We all remember Hurricane Katrina and the black/brown communities were disproportionately affected and more likely to lose their housing. We are also less likely to return after being dislocated due to emergent situations. We are more hesitant to call or trust first responders, even though they may provide life sustaining resources. Our neighborhoods and families often never recover. By being proactive and providing prevention education and survival supplies, we are creating a sense of normalcy, a foundation and security. By providing kits, support, resources and education we are connecting our communities to survival. Improved 911 response times to brown/black neighborhoods, and increased confidence in civil response systems will also go a long way to increase black family resilience and after crisis outcomes. Our goal this year is to provide 100 black/brown families a FREE 4 in 1 disaster preparedness kit which includes: 1)Enhanced First Aid Kit, 1)COVID 19 Kit, 1)Hygiene Kit and 1)Non-Perishable food Kit. We also offer online free First Aid and CPR training in English/Spanish along with a family disaster planning template plus additional resources and supports. We are partnering w/ Construyendo Juntos to do this work and we have several other partners that are hosts of Emergency distribution HUBS in the community. Our partners include Renton Emergency Feeding Program, Tukwila Food Pantry and the Skyway Envision Center & Food Pantry and the Renton Innovation Zone. S.K.C.R.T II: YOUTH & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BRYN MAWR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OVERVIEW- Is a great fit for communities of color and will leverage partnerships that will reflect the same. Our model is to create trusting relationships with the young people we will serve and engage their families to provide full support. We will do this by:
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KWANZAA 365
Self-awareness, Immersion & Awareness of Black History
Self-awareness, Immersion & Awareness of Black History
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Our teens struggle with navigating identity, facing identity crisis, self-hatred, low self-esteem and receiving little information on the power of knowing one’s strengths and achievements down through history. Our public schools or other institutions have not highlighted Black excellence and have not made it easy for youth to realize their connection to the greatness of our people. We utilize the Kwanzaa principles and African centered teachings to bring significance to everyday living. We teach youth about culturally significant artifacts and demonstrate cultural teachings and practices, along with how youth themselves are reflected in these historic teachings of African History. In this way, we can illustrate the value and benefit of applying sacred practices and principles in our daily lives. We also illuminate the value of sharing our stories, celebrating and honoring the lessons of the elders and learning from those who have paved the way for us to succeed and thrive today.
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