SASHA Center Lived Experience and Cultural Training

Deepen your understanding and strengthen your practice through an immersive, in-person training focused on providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed support to Black women who have experienced sexual assault and gender-based violence.

Part of SASHA Center’s Culture Cures and History Heals programming, the training will explore the historical and cultural experiences that shape how Black women experience sexual violence, seek support and interact with systems of care.

 Participants will examine the history of sexual violence against Black women in the United States before connecting that context to practical approaches involving culturally specific interventions, language, communication and trauma-informed care.

SASHA Center describes culturally specific, trauma-informed support centered on Black women’s lived experiences as fundamental to its work.

The training will be led by Kalimah Johnson, LMSW, ACSW, LCSW, SASHA Center founder and CEO and a nationally recognized leader in culturally specific sexual assault advocacy; Neefesha Marion, MSW, Henry Ford Health program specialist and MIHP coordinator; and AeYanna Yett, MSW-IMH, Wayne State University Ph.D. candidate and SASHA Center facilitator.

Neefesha Marion is a social work consultant, expert trainer, group facilitator and educator in the areas of sexual and domestic violence. Through her work with SASHA Center, she provides education, facilitates healing-centered spaces and advocates for individuals and communities impacted by violence. Her work is rooted in empowerment, education and creating spaces where people feel supported, heard and valued.

AeYanna Yett is a Ph.D. candidate at Wayne State University whose research centers Black women’s sexual pleasure, healing and health outcomes after violence, grounded in Black feminist thought. As a facilitator and trainer with SASHA Center, she leads culturally specific trainings and holds space for Black experiencers of sexual violence. Her scholarship and SASHA Center work have led to national consulting roles, including as a subject matter expert with Ujima: The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community.

Designed especially for social workers throughout Southeast Michigan, the training is also relevant for advocates, clinicians, behavioral health and human-services professionals, service providers and others who work with Black women and experiencers of gender-based violence.

Participants can earn 4.5 social work CEUs through the training, offered in collaboration with the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. Lunch will be provided.

Saturday, Oct. 17 | Noon–5 p.m.

Avalon Healing Center | 601 Bagley St., Detroit

Space is limited. Register today to reserve your spot. Click here.