Today we’d like to introduce you to Tia Payne.
Hi Tia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Legacy31 in January 2019 sitting on my couch feeling an unction in my spirit to help the faith based communities with education surrounding intimate partner violence and to help survivors in that community with someone to walk along side them with support and understanding because I have lived experience of what walking that road feels like. As a pastors kid I’ve lived the nuances of the Sunday performance but the home battlefield. I’ve also lived the same life in my first marriage where it was turned up a notch. Trying to protect an abuser and maintain the facade of the good Christian wife ultimately allowed me to submit to God’s leading in the creation of what is now Legacy31.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some of the struggles has been opening up and talking about a very taboo subject, but then we add an extra layer of taboo when we add the church to it. In the beginning I was constantly asked do things like that really happen at church or to “church people”. I finally started a has tag saying it happens at church too. That very obstacle kept church doors closed especially in the black community. For education purposes I’ve been invited and compensated to Anglo faith communities, in the black faith community I have been invited as a speaker for testimony purposes rather than educational purposes. Lots of times the struggle to reconcile the teachings of “God is good” has no place with the current events of intimate partner violence and sexual violence within the African American faith community.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the founder of Legacy31, my mission is to support the whole survivor—body, mind, and spirit. Healing from trauma is never one-dimensional, and for many survivors, faith becomes the anchor where hope and restoration begin. That’s why Legacy31 integrates faith-based, trauma-informed services to meet survivors where they are.
We provide tailored trainings for churches and organizations, equipping them to better serve survivors in their communities. Our passion also extends to youth education, tackling conversations about consent that many students have never had. Partnering with programs like Upward Bound allows us to empower young people with knowledge that can prevent cycles of abuse before they begin.
Legacy31 is also home to the “She Survived” movement, a platform where survivors share their testimonies of resilience and freedom—not only physical, but mental and spiritual as well. Participants receive a free tee, and movement merchandise helps spread awareness and encouragement.
Beyond advocacy, I speak at events nationwide, offering empowerment keynote addresses that leave audiences both inspired and equipped with local hotline numbers. One day, they may have the privilege of standing in the gap for someone else, and knowing where to turn can save a life.
My written work extends this mission, from my first book, Reflections of a PK (2017), to my contribution in an anthology with the chapter She Survived, and most recently, a devotional and journal, Sis, You Have One Job: Be Healed.
At Legacy31, we believe survivors are not just meant to survive—but to heal, thrive, and leave legacies of strength and faith for generations to come.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Legacy31 was founded on the scripture: She is clothed in strength and dignity and she can laugh without fear of her future
Proverbs 31:25
For years I lived with someone who made me feel less than and I had no joy and laughter, But God!! He turned that story around and gave me something so much greater and someone who keeps me laughing daily.
Pricing:
- $15 for books
- $25 For Tee
- Training prices vary
- Basic Church Response to Disclosure Free
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.legacy31.org
- Instagram: legacy31_
- Facebook: legacy31.25
