Page 9 - Torch - January 2020

A Community Conversation on Domestic and Human The discussion began with a recounting of experiences from
Trafficking survivor and author, Mrs. Tisha Dickson Nickson. She
A Human Trafficking Month Awareness Event shared intimate details of her personal experience of being
trafficked by family members during her youth and how she
On January 4, 2010, President Barack Obama made a presi-
was able to overcome obstacles to free herself. Those reve-
dential proclamation declaring January as National Slavery
lations led to Mrs. Lloria James educating the audience on
Human Trafficking Awareness month. President Obama
the role the district attorney’s office plays in intervention,
called upon the people of the United States to recognize
the law, and how its prosecution affects addressing this
the vital role we can play in ending modern day slavery. In
increasing problem. Ms. Angela Starr added vital infor-
alignment with our Sorority’s national call to action, the
mation on how this issue is handled from the circuit clerk’s
Montgomery (AL) Alumnae chapter hosted “A Community
office, family court division as it relates to underage youth
Conversation on Domestic and International Human
and family dynamics. Robin Wilburn completed our panel’s
Trafficking” on January 25, 2020. A collaboration between
conversation by sharing how all these parts tie together in
the International Awareness and Involvement and Arts and
what she sees in her role as a child labor enforcement su-
Letters committees, emphasis was placed on a goal of in-
pervisor for the Alabama Department of Labor. Working for
creasing the network of advocates, partnerships, and re-
the agency, which begins many of the investigations leading
sources within our community to assist in ending human
to cases persecuted at the various court levels, she is often
trafficking both domestically and internationally. Making
the one who starts the ball rolling in the many cases which
the link apparent between local trafficking and events oc-
are reported to these and other agencies. As a veteran of
curring internationally was a second goal. These goals also
the U.S. Armed Forces, she also shared her experiences
support Delta Sigma Theta’s national initiative and efforts in
from countries where she was stationed with rampant hu-
assisting abolishment of human trafficking and raising
man trafficking problems where children are trafficked as a
awareness; advocating for legislative changes on the local,
source of income for poor families.
state, and federal level protecting the rights of all human
beings; and supporting all organizations providing resources During the question and answer period, participants were
for victims of human trafficking. encouraged to “look beneath the surface” and understand
that a victim of human trafficking looks like many of the
With an audience comprised of community members from people you see every day. They are not always hidden from
youth to seniors, activists, resource key-holders, and both view but are in plain sight in places we frequent. It is up to
county and state officials an in-depth discussion was held us to educate ourselves to ask the right questions and to
which heightened awareness and understanding. An au- look for the right clues. An exchange of information from
dience of over 120 persons was informed, educated, and the community on solutions to the problem, seen through
the eyes of stakeholders, was an important by-product of
engaged as the panelists shared their varied experiences on
this discussion. Suggestions were compiled from concerned
this topic, ranging from being a survivor of human traffick-
community members in the audience, which will be relayed
ing to those experiences of professionals who work in roles
to the appropriate agencies so they may be incorporated in
in our governmental system serving as resources for human
their decisions when they are formulating solutions. This
trafficking victims. The conversation, facilitated by Shakita important feedback will be vital to ending this ever-
Brooks Jones, co-chair of the International Awareness and increasing problem in our communities as immigration laws
Involvement Committee, involved panelists Tisha Dickson are tightened and vulnerable human beings are preyed up-
Nickson, survivor and author of “Victim to Victory: My on. A continental breakfast was served to sustain partici-
Journey from Sex Slavery to Freedom in Christ”; Lloria pants during the discussion, and a book signing with Mrs.
Tisha Dickson Nickson was held after the discussion as a
James, Chief District Attorney, Montgomery County (AL)
culmination of the event.
District Attorney’s Office; Angela Starr, Chief Deputy Clerk,
Family Court Division, Montgomery County (AL) Circuit
Clerk’s Office; and Robin Wilburn, Child Labor Enforcement
Supervisor, Alabama Department of Labor and Alabama
Human Trafficking Task Force Member.