About Self-Preservation Society
“Understand that self-preservation is holistic. Eliminate what is trying to harm you. Heal yourself when hurt. Learn to recognize and avoid the threat.”
— Sylvester “Koda” Pierce | Founder, The Self-Preservation Society
Our Story
Founded in 2015, SPS is an organization dedicated to empowering our communities with knowledge and resources that allow us all to protect ourselves. SPS seeks to erase the ideas that:
Only certain groups of people need to know self-protection
Only certain groups of people can own and use firearms for safety and protection
Only certain groups of people enjoy being in nature
Through certified, thorough and approachable training, SPS ensures our communities are informed, confident, and able to protect themselves and their loved ones in any situation.
Our Symbol: The Fern
AYA “Fern” is a Ghanaian Adinkra symbol representing endurance, resourcefulness, and resiliency. SPS uses the symbol of the fern in our practices in recognition of West African wisdom and ancestral techniques in self and collective preservation.
Our Founder
A mostly ATL native (Kingsport, TN born), Sylvester Pierce is a highly certified firearms, lifesaving first aid, and wilderness instructor with a passion for educating members of Black and Brown communities and those who have been demonized or conditioned to think they are bad, evil, or lesser than. He especially seeks to combat misinformation with accurate, culturally competent information.
Sylvester loves hiking. Loves, loves, loves. When not communing with nature, you’ll find him teaching, volunteering, collecting/listening to vinyl records, and supporting Black- and woman-owned businesses.
He is heavily influenced by Harriet Tubman and all those who saw a need for people to be in a better place, so they gathered resources and made it happen.
Certifications & Affiliations
USCCA (U.S. Concealed Carry Association) Firearms Instructor
American Heart Association – CPR, First Aid & AED
American Red Cross
Become a Member
Become a member of Self-Preservation Society and get access to monthly classes, services, and exclusive merchandise. More on memberships coming soon.
Contact us
Ready to take the next step? We’re here to help you find the right training for you and your community’s needs.
