Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Limya Harvey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Limya, thanks for joining us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Limya’s Answer: While working as a Team Lead of the Youth Advocates program at Healthy Futures of Texas, I often expressed how important I felt it is to be involved in your community. I suggested volunteering events, provided insight into potential event accommodations for low-income families, and utilized my lived experiences to encourage adapting perspectives. The longer I worked with this organization, I slowly noticed that I wanted to do more. I wanted to become a sex educator but I also wanted to be more active in my community in any way I could. I learned so much working with HFTX but never felt that the most marginalized communities were catered to but communities that have the funds and established resources were the first to be involved. Cydney’s Answer:

Limya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Limya’s Answer: My name is Limya Harvey (she/her) and I’m currently a student at the University of Texas – San Antonio studying Sociology with two minors: Civic Engagement and African American Studies. I began networking really young, around 8th grade. Eventually, I ended up with an amazing opportunity to work with an established Non-Profit organization that focuses on sexual health advocacy. Utilizing the information I learned from this job, myself and Cydney started Black Book Sex Ed. Our organization offers free reproductive health products, primarily to low-income individuals but truthfully to anyone in need. In addition to physical resources, we have worked to create a safe space where the members of our community feel comfortable connecting with us and sharing their stories. We see people choosing between purchasing groceries over reusable menstrual products because they’re afraid to take risks or individuals struggling to receive emergency contraception following sexual intercourse. Black Book Sex Ed is the only immediate response organization in San Antonio, Texas. If a community member submits an urgent request, we get it to them by the end of the day or the next morning at the latest. We meet our community where they are as we deliver, have pickup options in their area, or table at local events. Cydney’s Answer: My name is Cydney Mumford and I am currently attending Northeast Lakeview College as a Biology/Pre-Nursing major.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start?

We started with the products we had in our own homes. We rummaged through closets to find extra emergency contraception, pads, tampons, condoms, and literally anything we could find to attend a community market less than a week from when we decided to start this organization. From there on, we’ve been majority self-funded. We utilize donations and money set aside from our earned income to cover postage, products, event fees, etc.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

The people you meet and their stories. Listening to the experiences of those in our community constantly provides a new perspective on why people do what they do or respond a particular way. It helps us provide trauma-informed care and establish deeper connections with our community. As we tell our own stories, we highlight the lived experiences of others by taking in the lessons learned but keeping that story to stay in the safe space, allowing us to acknowledge the urgent need for reproductive justice.

Contact Info:

• Website: blackbooksexed.org
• Instagram: blackbooksexed
• Facebook: blackbooksexed
• Other: TikTok: blackbooksexed

Image Credits
For photo of us speaking to someone: Lamarcus Feggins, @differentworldimages on Instagram