February is a time to celebrate Black excellence while raising awareness about teen dating violence. The work of countless Black leaders, organizations, and advocates in the fight against dating violence has been transformative. Their efforts are rooted in the understanding of intersectionality and the need for culturally responsive support, making it possible for more people to recognize and break unhealthy relationship patterns. This month, we celebrate the contributions that continue to shape healthy relationships and violence prevention for young people across the country.
Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith:
She developed the first violence prevention curriculum for schools and communities. A pioneering physician and public health leader, Dr. Prothrow-Stith served as the first female Commissioner of Public Health for Massachusetts. She was instrumental in framing youth violence as a public health issue and developed the “Violence Prevention Curriculum for Adolescents, which has been utilized nationwide. Her work laid the foundation for many violence prevention programs in Boston and beyond.
Audrey Morrissey:
As the Co-Executive Director of My Life, My Choice, a Boston-based organization, Morrissey has been a leading advocate against the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Through survivor-led programs, she empowers youth to recognize and avoid exploitative situations, contributing to the broader effect of preventing teen dating violence.
Dr. Carolyn West:
A psychologist and researcher specializing in domestic violence in the Black community, Dr. West has written extensively on intimate partner violence and created educational materials addressing abuse in marginalized communities, with a particular focus on the unique experiences and challenges faced by Black women.
Tonya Lovelace:
As a survivor of teen dating violence herself, Tonya has dedicated her career to advocating for survivors and uplifting communities of color. As the founding CEO of the Women of ColorNetwork, Inc., she has championed culturally specific services and intersectional approaches to addressing dating and domestic violence. Her work empowers young people to recognize unhealthy relationship dynamics and find safety, support, and healing.
Dr. Thema Bryant:
A psychologist, minister, and advocate who specializes in trauma recovery, relationships, and empowering Black youth. As the President of the American Psychological Association, she has been a powerful voice in addressing the impact of abuse, dating violence, and emotional well-being in marginalized communities.
Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence (BWRADV), founded in 2021 by Geoff Remorris, Esq., MSW, Lyn-Tise Jones, and Paméla Michelle Tate, focuses on addressing domestic violence within the Black community, with a strong emphasis on prevention. The organization is dedicated to educating and empowering Black youth, particularly teen girls, about healthy relationships and preventing dating violence. By offering culturally relevant resources, support, and advocacy, BWRADV works to break the cycle of abuse and provide teens with the tools to recognize and avoid unhealthy relationship dynamics. Their mission centers on creating safer, stronger communities through education and prevention.
There are many more individuals and organizations tirelessly working to combat teendating violence, whose contributions may not be highlighted here but are no less vital. These leaders inspire us with their steadfast dedication, pushing us to carry the torch forward. We honor their profound impact on healing, empowerment, and prevention, and at The Second Step, we remain committed to addressing teen dating violence through survivor-centered support, education, and prevention, building upon the foundation they’ve laid to help break cycles of violence and promote healthy relationships.
