A Summit on the Safety of Black Girls

and our community partners invite YOU as the leader of your organization to join us at A Summit on the Safety of Black Girls, in recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Black girls in Columbus experience violence at higher rates than their contemporaries. 4 out of every 10 black women will experience interpersonal violence in their lifetime. Violence from assault, rape, dating violence, trafficking, marginalization, racism and more - affect our girls every day.

This summit will tackle violence from several perspectives: Barbara Freeman, The Freeman Project will provide insights into human trafficking, We are Worth Defending: Empowerment Self-Defense will address individual skills necessary to combat violence and begin to heal. Black Girl Rising, Inc. will share how empowerment self-defense has impacted the girls they serve.

YOU will have an opportunity to share concerns and ideas, network with your peers and connect to local resources. Lunch will be provided!

Safety is a right, not a privilege!

It takes ALL of us, to advance the movement.

January 11, 2025, 10:30AM- 2PM

Linden Community Center Auditorium

1350 Briarwood Columbus, Ohio 43211

Click HERE to register before January 4, 2025. Please check all that apply.

_________ I request a vegetarian lunch

_________I am interested in having a resource table at the summit.

Barbara Freeman, The Freeman Project

Barabara Freeman’s commitment to promoting change in the fight against human trafficking is rooted in both personal and professional expertise. As a survivor of sexual exploitation and addiction, she was the first graduate of the CATCH Court Pilot Program within the Franklin County Judicial System designed to divert sex trafficked women out of the judicial system and into to structured support systems. She is actively engaged in the community as a liaison and advocate. She is employed by Nationwide Children’s Hospital as a Peer Support Navigator Specialist offering guidance and support to individuals on their journey to recovery. In 2014, the YWCA of Central Ohio honored her with the prestigious Women of Achievement Award for her work k to end human trafficking. Her commitment is also illustrated through her leadership of the Freeman Project’s Housing Program, safe haven for formerly trafficked women.

The mission of . is to place Black girls at promise by serving as a catalyst for change that improves outcomes for African American girls and their families. The vision is to ensure that all African American girls live lives of authenticity, equality, and resiliency.

is part of a global movement that addresses violence through Empowerment self-defense. ESD is well researched methadology proven to change the trajectory of women and girls’ lives by helping them find and use their voice and teaching skills to address different types of violence - whatever and whoever they encounter.

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Training Partners:

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Host or Publisher We Are Worth Defending