Black History Month Updates from Healing Justice SB

For week two of Black History Month, we bring our focus to Healing Justice SB, a nonprofit organization that will celebrate its five-year anniversary this May. 

Founded May 2020 by Krystle Farmer Sieghart, Simone Akila Ruskamp,and Leticia Forney Resch,their mission is, “To uplift all Black African Americans to affirm that they are deserving of safety, love, equity, respect, and joy. We understand that our collective healing and liberation is essential to creating a more equitable Santa Barbara, therefore we center, uplift, and meaningfully create space that empowers ALL Black people including Black LGBTQ+ people, Black people with disabilities, undocumented Black people, underserved Black people, and Black people that speak in African American Vernacular English. In keeping with the principles of a healing justice framework, we demand that self-care be reimagined as collective investment in community care.” 

They were featured here in the MJ: https://tinyurl.com/HJSBinMJ

In addition to Healing Justice SB, Ruskamp is a co-founder of Juneteenth SB.

Recently, Sieghart sent her letter of resignation to her co-founders saying, “It is with a heart full of gratitude, reflection, and love that I share my decision to step away from my role as Executive Director at HJSB.” 

Ruskamp and Resch are continuing to lead the organization as co-Executive Directors. On behalf of the team and the Board their press and social media statement said, “With love in our hearts, we move forward and are proud to continue building upon the legacy Krystle helped us create. After much consideration, Krystle shared with us her desire to step back, and we are holding all the emotions for the love, care and intention she has shared with us over the past four years.” 

As a nonprofit, they have found community support with fundraising efforts in collaboration with local businesses, like Kyle’s Kitchen in January. Now, Dune Coffee is collaborating with Healing Justice SB to donate 40% of its sales for a special coffee blend – The Healing Justice Blend. This is for all purchases in person and online. 

411: www.dunecoffee.com/products/healing-justice-blend

HJSB has monthly events to support families, children, and students. Coming up is their 2^nd Annual Black 2 School Family Cookout, on Saturday, April 26. The event is open to all families whose children attend a school in Santa Barbara Unified School District, Goleta Union School District, and surrounding school districts. This event is meant to prioritize and meaningfully uplift and make space for Black African American Youth and their families. 

411: https://tinyurl.com/B2SCook

As the team is restructuring, they decided to move their annual Black Is Beautiful Gala from this February to Fall 2025. Details TBA. Additionally, they are recruiting for Board members.

To find out how you can support, join, donate, and receive news, sign up via their website and follow them on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.  

411: www.hjsb.org/our-collective
www.instagram.com/healingjusticesb