Sumayya Coleman grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and has lived in several states and in Europe. She is a compassionate and effective advocate for women, with a specific focus on women of color. She has addressed the issue of violence against women and children for 19 years at the local, state, and national levels, worked in various capacities with community-based organizations, universities, coalitions, faith-based organizations, and numerous projects, and served as guest speaker for many groups and events. As sole proprietor of Share Time Wisely Consulting Services, she coaches women across the country to develop community-based programs, trains on domestic violence issues, facilitates organization and program development, and coordinates events planning. She is currently working with the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence to rebuild the 26-year-old organization. Sumayya is an ordained minister and holds a BA in Business Administration and Management with honors and membership with Sigma Beta Delta. She has a loving husband, two adult children and two grandchildren. Sumayya’s contribution to Submerged is a story called “Hair Peace” about her experience with the mixed messages bound up in a woman’s hair.
contributor, Submerged: Tales from the Basin