Olive Pathway is 6! To celebrate our special day and Black History Month, we featured black women who have survived gender based violence and gone on to do great things with their lives.

Oprah Winfrey experienced verbal, physical, and sexual abuse as a young child. She had a troubled childhood, experiencing not just continuous abuse but also got pregnant and lost her baby at the tender age of 14. Oprah Winfrey did overcome her abuse and went on to become a successful media mogul.

Rihanna experienced physical abuse that was made public some years ago. She left the toxic relationship and went on to have a successful music career.

Tina Turner endured physical and sexual abuse from her ex-husband for many years. He allegedly burned her, broke her nose, and gave her numerous black eyes. Tina Turner experienced this intense abuse for years until she decided it was enough.

These are just a few examples of strong black women that have survived gender based violence and gone on to do great things with their lives. They are a reminder that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and you should not stay silent while experiencing any form of abuse.