Solutions Not Punishment Collaborative (SnapCo.), a Black trans-led organization building safety and political power for Black and brown trans people in Atlanta, is raising money to build a permanent home for the organization.
SnapCo. celebrated 13 years with the Forever Paradise Gala on Aug. 8 at Center Stage. The event included performances by the Atlanta CommUNITY Choir, Fatima Jamal, and SnapCo. Executive Director Toni-Michelle Williams, awards for community leader, and the introduction of Ollie Lopez, SnapCo.’s first ever deputy director.
During the gala, SnapCo. leadership celebrated the year’s accomplishments. Marley Metze received the Member of the Year Award for leading a week-long passport clinic in 2025, during which over 200 trans and gender-nonconforming people received assistance in applying for their passports for free.
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Other community leaders honored with awards at the Forever Paradise Gala included:
Yolo Akili: Everything is Love Award
Jiyah Bolden: Sacred and Silly Award
Nikki Balmain: Transforming Foundations Award
Bishop Reverend Rahkel Henry: Icon Award
SnapCo. announces Providential Paradise
Saturday’s event also served as a fundraiser for the organization’s newest endeavor, announced during the gala: Providential Paradise, the forthcoming permanent home for SnapCo. to be developed on 11.2 acres in South Fulton recently purchased by the organization.
The Forever Paradise Gala kicked off the public capital campaign to raise $5 million for the project. SnapCo. has already raised over $1.4 million.
“Black trans communities have spent generations creating safety in spaces that were never built for us,” Williams said. “Providential Paradise is our declaration that we deserve more than borrowed space. We deserve permanence. Through this project, we honor the people whose courage, sacrifice, and vision have built this movement over the last 13 years, while creating something future generations can inherit. At a time when our communities continue to face political attacks across the country, choosing to build together is one of the most powerful acts of hope and resistance we can make.”
The design for the project is being led by Designing Justice+ Designing Spaces, ENIBAS Consulting and Moody Nolan, the largest Black-owned design firm in the country. The campus will include wellness and healing space, gathering and cultural spaces, education and workforce development hubs, and supportive housing.
Donations to support the Providential Paradise can be made online. To donate via ACH transfer, check, or Donor Advised Fund, email jasmine@snap4freedom.org.
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