I write through the lens of witnessing violence in “safe” spaces, surviving sexual assault as a child, dating violence as a teenager and date rape as a young adult. When I reflect on my life’s path, I can identify several experiences where I’ve felt powerless. I can also recall ways in which I empowered myself and those around me.
"Annika developed a unique culturally specific curriculum for Black teen girls that cultivate their leadership, survivorship and wellness to bring about deep, radical, and cultural solutions to ending violence. At her core, she believes that answers must come from survivors and she has committed to the empowerment of Black teens to lead the solutions. She teaches this curriculum weekly in Milwaukee high schools, training a new generation of anti-violence movement leaders."