Category: Legacies

Editor’s Note:

About fifteen years ago I began facilitating training on cultural competence as a contract trainer for Texas Council on Family Violence, it was a great opportunity to travel, share and learn throughout the state of Texas with crisis centers, law enforcement and other social service programs.

I have witnessed the evolution of this movement as the conversations have grown and are producing change in how this work is being done. Have we arrived yet, no, however change is happening.

One of those changes is looking at who is leading the work. There are men who are now a the leadership table and as we observe Black History Month; there are women of color (BIPOC) that are at the leadership table. This week help the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council celebrate the newest Chief Executive Officer, Brenda Sykes of Bay Area Turning Point; she is the agency’s first Black CEO.

Below is an interview with Brenda Sykes . . .

How domestic/sexual violence organizations can benefit when lead by individuals from underserved communities?

Within the next 20-30 years, Harris County’s demographics majority will be People of Color (POC). The data alone reflects the need to address various disparities ranging from access to education up to domestic violence and sexual assault services. Education of and lack of access to services relative to Domestic/sexual violence for POC looks drastically different from non-POC. POC view law enforcement, experiences of the criminal justice system, and the lack of POC in leadership roles as factors that prevent seeking services. Leaders in this movement who are POC can elevate the voices of the most underserved of an already uniquely underserved population. I am a black woman who addresses the need of ALL survivors; I am in a unique position to make a change at a local, regional, and state level as Advocates of Color and survivors of Color have a vocal, informed, and ally in elevating their needs. Leading a DV/SA organization connects my team and me to community leaders and stakeholders to influence change. And I am here for it!

Why are allies important?

Allies are essential assets in this work, as it cannot be effectively done without a united effort. Working in silos is not beneficial to anyone, especially those in need of services. Allyship allows conversations and promotes healing.

What do you hope your legacy will be?

I hope my legacy will be . . . To leave Bay Area Turning Point in a better position to serve those in need due to changes I, along with my peers and my team, have made so that my immediate area and beyond are greater for those contributions.

Thank you, Brenda