
Detroit Sister.
Strong Sister.
Soul Sister.
Spiritual Sister.
Poet Sister.
Innovative Sister.
Loving Sister.
A Trailblazing Star Full of Light Sister.
Her Name is Professor Kalimah Johnson.
When I think of Professor Kalimah Johnson, all of these words come to my mind. She is a community leader and a dynamic, outspoken community activist. She is a survivor of sexual assault and has devoted her life to advocating for survivors of sexual assault and promoting awareness and education about sexual violence in our communities. She is the Founder and Executive Director of SASHA Center, a center of healing for survivors of sexual assault. She is a well respected Assistant Professor of Social Work at Marygrove College in Detroit. She is the owner of PicNap Natural Hair Care Studio and cares for and promotes the beauty of natural hair and locs in our community. She is an author and poet. She has also traveled to Africa and taken her students of social work to introduce them to a beautiful culture and powerful experience.
I appreciate Professor Johnson very much. I admire her beauty and confidence. I admire how she balances all of the components of her life’s work with grace, humility, and integrity. I admire her compassion, care and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. I admire her holistic approach to uplifting communities within the African Diaspora. I admire her love for her family and our beloved city of Detroit.
Professor Johnson inspires me to honor my whole self and to embrace my life’s work from a spiritual and holistic space. She inspires me to embrace the trailblazer within me and to walk my path with the highest confidence.
She is my Inspiration Monday – and I am proud to know her. She is the essence of a community Shero and today I honor her.
Professor Johnson, in honor of United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25) and on this week of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for you and the work you are doing in our communities. Always continue to shine your light and be an inspiration to others.
Peace, Love and Blessings to you!!