With the release of Breaking the Silence: Voices of Survivors Vol. 4, Michelle Jewsbury continues to amplify survivor voices while expanding her impact far beyond the page. From her national feature on NBC Bloom TV to live speaking engagements and a community-centered launch at Oxford Exchange, Jewsbury is creating spaces where healing is visible, shared, and actionable. Through Unsilenced Voices, her mission is now extending globally—building schools and housing in Sierra Leone as a powerful next step from breaking silence to building sustainable futures.
Michelle, you have a powerful month ahead with the release of Breaking the Silence: Voices of Survivors Vol. 4 — what does this particular volume represent for you and for the survivor community?
This volume represents another powerful step toward giving survivors the platform they deserve—their stories need to be heard. Every time someone breaks their silence, it creates a ripple effect that encourages others to do the same. For the survivor community, this book is proof that healing is possible and that none of us are walking this journey alone. https://a.co/d/04JtaSLH
On March 4, you’re also being featured on NBC Bloom TV — what message are you most hoping viewers take away from your story and advocacy work?
I hope viewers walk away understanding that domestic violence doesn’t discriminate—it can happen to anyone, regardless of background or strength. More importantly, I want them to know that there’s hope on the other side. My story isn’t just about what I survived; it’s about what I rebuilt, and I want others to believe they can rebuild too. https://www.wfla.com/bloom-tampa-bay/
You’ll be speaking at She Overcomes later this month — how do live speaking engagements shape the way you connect with survivors and supporters compared to your work through books?
There’s something incredibly powerful about being in a room where people can see the emotion in your eyes and feel the energy of shared experience. Live engagements create an immediate, visceral connection that books simply can’t replicate—it turns my story into a conversation and reminds others that they’re seen and heard in real-time. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/she-overcomes-conference-womens-empowerment-event-tickets-1871717530519?discount=MICHELLEVIP&keep_tld=true
Your book launch party at Oxford Exchange is coming up on March 30 — what can attendees expect from that evening, and why was it important to celebrate this release in community?
Attendees can expect an evening of connection, celebration, and community among people who truly understand the power of story. I chose to celebrate at the Oxford Exchange because it is a prestigious venue that hosts the best of the best. Gathering together honors the courage it takes for every contributor to share their truth.
https://www.michellejewsbury.com/booklaunchparty
Unsilenced Voices is now seeking major donors to build schools and housing in Sierra Leone — how does this global expansion align with the long-term vision of your mission?
This project represents the evolution from simply surviving to actually thriving. Building schools and housing in Tobu and Sullehun means creating sustainable, long-term change where survivors can gain vocational skills, economic independence, and safety. It’s about breaking cycles of poverty and violence so future generations never have to experience what we’re working to overcome today. www.unsilencedvoices.org
