Works

"Hush Hush explores personal perspectives on the impact of historical negative sexual

stereotyping that has maliciously seeped into every aspect of American culture.

DeShannon offers powerful insight for individuals to examine their familial past and

present. It is a must-read for educators and youth leaders in faith-based and other

organizations who are seeking to aide parents and children about the need for safe

space to provide sexuality education."

Rev. Dr. Mariah Britton,

CEO and Founder of The Moriah Institute

dedicated to comprehensive sexuality & spirituality

education for faith leaders

In this revised and expanded second edition of Hush Hush, DeShannon Bowens revisits her insightful interviews with the Peterson family. Bowens makes a compelling case that intergenerational healing from sexual abuse cannot happen in Black communities without releasing shame-based sexuality narratives from the past. Hush Hush, stresses the importance of empowered sexuality narratives and communication within families as a key component in preventing and ending child sexual abuse.

Through ILERA, DeShannon has implemented workshops and programs at various agencies focusing on sexuality & spirituality, healing from sexual abuse, vicarious trauma, and wellness. She is the author of Hush Hush: An African American Family Breaks Their Silence on Sexuality & Sexual Abuse and a contributing scholar for the State of Formation. DeShannon is also a member of an Interfaith initiative to help faith communities prevent child sexual abuse in New York City. She has a well-rounded collection of work.