Resolution recognizes importance of addressing human trafficking

LANSING — State Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (D-Detroit) introduced House Resolution 209 today to declare January 2020 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the state of Michigan. Illegal under international, federal and state law, human trafficking is considered to be one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world. In Michigan alone, there were 1,504 total cases of human trafficking logged from December 2007 through December of 2018, based on contacts received by the National Human Trafficking Hotline. This documented prevalence is likely only a small fraction of the actual problem, considering human trafficking is notoriously underreported.

“Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and it’s imperative we all join together and commit ourselves to increasing awareness, fighting this crime, and keeping the communities and citizens of Michigan safe,” said Gay-Dagnogo. “All survivors of human trafficking deserve equal respect and the opportunity to report their trauma without judgment or fear when beginning their healing process. I stand in full support of the victims and survivors of human trafficking who have yet to escape, be found or liberated, as well as those who have and are working to regain control over their lives.”

Gay-Dagnogo will be joined during House Session by numerous individuals representing organizations working diligently to fight human trafficking, including:

  • Miracle Nored, Founder & Executive Director of LWSC Community Circle
  • Helene Clark, Board Member of LWSC
  • LeAnna Noble, Board Member of LWSC
  • Brenda Hill, Detroit Coalition for Peace
  • Teferi Brent, Co-Founder of Detroit Coalition for Peace
  • Nakpangi “Pangi” Thomas, Past President of the Michigan Counseling Association
  • James “Screal” Eberheart, Vice President of New Era Detroit
  • Robbie McFarlin, New Era Detroit
  • Elizabeth Moore, Director of Human Trafficking of Righteous Sons
  • Kenitha Pearson, CEO & Founder of Warrior Women on a Mission
  • Sandra Ramocan, Director of Outreach and Education of Alternatives for Girls
  • Alia Harvey Quinn, Executive Director of Faith In Action
  • Ortagus Jackson, CEO of Allpact
  • Negas Vu, Co-Founder & President of the Peoples Action