Safe Black Space is
Recruiting New
Board Members!
Safe Black Space (SBS) is seeking passionate and visionary leaders to join our Board of Directors. This is an opportunity to help guide and grow an organization deeply committed to Black mental health, healing, and liberation.
Board Members Play a Vital Role in:
· Providing strategic leadership and accountability
· Ensuring financial oversight and sustainability
· Fundraising and giving to strengthen our work
· Advocating for SBS and expanding our reach
· Supporting the Executive Director and organizational growth
We are looking for leaders who:
· Have a clear interest in and understanding of SBS’s mission, values, & goals
· Are committed to advancing Black mental health, healing, and liberation
· Can make thoughtful, equity-driven, and impactful decisions
· Communicate with clarity and passion about our vision
· Bring a collaborative spirit and willingness to learn and lead
If this resonates with you, we invite you to apply today: tinyurl.com/SBSBoardMem.
Please note, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with the first review on November 15, 2025. Recruitment will continue until all positions are filled.
To learn more, contact Board President, Dr. Jacquelyn Ollison, at dr_jacquelyn@safeblackspace.org.
Board of Directors
Teah Hairston, PH.D., Board Member
Jacquelyn Ollison, Ed.D., Board President & Secretary
Guy Lamont Ollison, Board Treasurer
Dr. Teah Bio
Teah Hairston, Ph.D., Board Member
Teah is a native of South Sacramento where she developed a passion for serving marginalized, underserved communities. She is an active volunteer for various non-profit organizations that advocate for, and support social justice issues. Teah holds degrees in Psychology, African American Studies, Southern Studies, and Sociology, and uses her platform as an academic to raise the voices and highlight the diverse experiences of marginalized populations. As a devoted village-hand, in addition to her role in Safe Black Space, Teah is Vice President of the Sac ACT Board, an EEC facilitator, a health and wellness workshop facilitator, and a research data specialist. Teah’s favorite role is mother to her two sons.
Why I joined SBS:
As a frontline activist, I realized how exhausting and draining it was trying to convince others of our humanity and our right to live free as Black people. Safe Black Space offered an opportunity for me to rejuvenate and heal from the stress and strain I experienced as an organizer and activist, an environment to feel affirmed as a Black woman, and to do so in the loving care of my people. Once my healing began, I wanted it to spillover to my brothers, sisters and non-binary family in the community.
My favorite self care activities:
Working out and eating well are my favorite self-care practices.
Dr. Jacquelyn Bio
Jacquelyn Ollison, Ed.D., Board President & Secretary
Jacquelyn Ollison. Ed.D. is a committed educator with extensive education experience as a teacher, Vice Principal, Principal, and State Education Administrator. She spends her days supporting transformative teacher preparation programs at the CDE Foundation. Recently, Dr. Ollison, or Dr. J, earned her doctorate at the University of the Pacific. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of the Pacific, Gladys L. Benerd School of Education. She lives in Northern California with her husband, three stepchildren, and her dog Seo. Pronouns: she/her/hers
Why I joined SBS:
I joined SBS because I wanted to do something to support my community that was reeling from another needless killing of an unarmed African American! I wanted to be the change instead of just asking for it.
My favorite self care activities:
Netflix and chilling with a glass of red wine!
Dr. Guy Bio
Dr. Guy Lamont Ollison, Board Treasurer
I am currently a 6th grade teacher in Sacramento City Unified School District. I have taught for over 20 years as a middle school Science teacher in South Sacramento. I have taken on different roles over the years, including Mentor Teacher and participation on the school's Equity Leadership Team. I am also an Alumni of the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program.
Why I joined SBS:
Safe Black Space provides a venue for people of African ancestry to speak honestly and openly about racial stress and trauma. I have been involved since its inception because I believe in its vision and mission. We have to be our own cure and our own protection.
My favorite self care activities:
My favorite self-care activity is meditation. I sit in a quiet space and focus on my breathing to relax.