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About Us
Our vision is to see individuals reconnect with their cultural identity, re-engage the power within them, pursue the lives they envision, and emerge as empowered agents of progress.
OUR FOUNDERS
In 2014, Jermika attended a conference where she first learned about sex trafficking—and sensed a calling to devote her life to responding. Since then she has committed herself to supporting survivors, raising awareness of cultural nuances and barriers, and educating communities about the intersections of sexual violence and trafficking. In 2023 she founded The Hummingbird Project to create a safe, culturally responsive space for individuals of the African Diaspora to begin healing, build resilience, and reclaim their power.
Jermika brings years of collaboration and frontline experience to this work: she has served on the board of The Underground New England (Connecticut), participated in Connecticut’s DCF Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team, trained as an advocate with the YWCA’s Sexual Assault Crisis Services, and joined the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force in 2025. In 2025 The Hummingbird Project also expanded its work into Fulton County, Georgia. The organization exists to bridge gaps in services, reduce barriers, and walk with survivors on their path to restoration.
Our Organizational Values
We are an organization rooted in faith. Those principles include love, compassion, service, justice, and restoration. We value diversity and inclusivity, serving individuals of all beliefs and backgrounds.
Our Healing Model
Through culturally sensitive and trauma-informed programs, we strive to create a supportive environment that acknowledges the unique experiences of Black/African Diaspora-identified individuals while fostering a sense of belonging, understanding, and unity. Our model is based on the belief that true healing involves addressing an individual's Mind/Soul, Body, and Spirit. We believe that addressing the needs of the whole person is the key to total healing and societal transformation; For it is Individuals who transform communities.
OUR PILLARS
We are committed to dismantling systemic barriers that perpetuate trauma within the Black/African Diaspora community. Through education, advocacy, culturally competent services, and community engagement. We work towards creating a world where all individuals of African descent can thrive, free from the burdens of historical injustices and false identity narratives.
EDUCATION
Education and awareness play a pivotal role in illuminating the pressing issue of sexual violence including sex trafficking and disparities within communities of color. Our approach involves disseminating knowledge, establishing secure platforms for open dialogue, and encouraging active involvement within families and communities to serve as catalysts for positive transformation. We acknowledge the significance of collaborative endeavors, forging partnerships with local organizations, communities of faith, schools, and community leaders to enhance the reach and effectiveness of our educational initiatives. This foundational pillar is committed to empowering individuals by providing them with the essential information to identify, prevent, and mitigate vulnerabilities that may render people of color more susceptible to the risks of sexual violence and exploitation.
ADVOCACY
The core focus of our advocacy initiatives is to confront and transform policies, practices, and narratives that have perpetuated historical and intergenerational sexual trauma and exploitation. Through amplifying the voices of the African Diaspora, our goal is to enhance awareness of the systemic injustices disproportionately affecting our community. We are dedicated to reshaping environments, fostering inclusivity, and providing insights to advance existing trauma-informed care practices. This foundational pillar is committed to establishing safe spaces for survivor leaders of color, cultivating a culturally competent atmosphere to support individuals of the African Diaspora on their healing journey. This foundational pillar is committed to “Passing the Mic”. We will work to ensure their voices are not only heard but also acknowledged, as we collectively work towards a more just and equitable movement.
CULTURALLY SPECIFIC SERVICES
We break the cycle of trauma by linking survivors to faith-supporting mental health resources, healing modalities, counseling, and support networks by culturally competent professionals. We believe in the inherent resilience of our community and aim to equip individuals with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of healing and personal growth.
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Culturally specific services are important for several reasons:
Respect for Diversity: We acknowledge and respect the diversity of individuals and the vastness of the African diaspora. This includes recognizing the various backgrounds, languages, dialects, customs, and beliefs. By understanding and valuing diversity, we can build trust and establish positive relationships to support healing.
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Effective Communication: We have vast communication styles and preferences on the African Diaspora. We ensure effective communication by considering these variations and connecting with trusted messengers from various sects to aid in facilitating clear and meaningful interactions.
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Tailored Approaches to Care: We understand the need to tailor approaches when it comes to planning and appropriate care plans. We are all individuals and have distinct experiences and personalized care is our approach.
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Addressing Health Disparities:
In healthcare and various service sectors, the significance of cultural competence cannot be overstated in tackling health disparities. Communities of color often experience health challenges influenced by cultural, social, or economic factors, yet there are fewer reported instances of survivors from these communities receiving assistance. Culturally competent services strive to bridge this gap by offering fair and accessible care, working towards the reduction of disparities.
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Enhancing Trust and Engagement: Building trust between service providers and clients is fundamental for successful outcomes. Culturally competent services foster trust by demonstrating an understanding of cultural contexts, which can lead to increased engagement and cooperation from clients.
COMMUNTY ENGAGEMENT
Our approach involves active participation within the community, working closely with its members to understand and address the unique challenges they face. By facilitating open dialogues, forums, and table talk conversations, we create spaces for sharing experiences, concerns, and aspirations. This open communication enables us to identify and challenge systemic barriers, paving the way for informed and targeted advocacy. In partnership with communities of faith, local organizations, grassroots initiatives, and community leaders, we leverage the strength of unity to amplify our impact.