Emancipation Nation

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Welcome to an episode that pierces through the hidden underbelly of society, shining a light on a gut-wrenching tale of survival. We welcome Jennifer, a beacon of resilience, whose personal story serves as a stark reminder of the often overlooked issue of familial trafficking. Raised in an environment laced with manipulation, grooming, and familial trafficking, Jennifer bravely recounts her experiences, from her childhood summers spent in the claws of her father to the stark existence at her mother's house. Her childhood was a meticulously planned grooming process, marked by exposure to a world of sex trafficking.

The heart-wrenching journey into Jennifer's past doesn’t stop there, as she unveils her horrifying teenage years being traded for drugs, alcohol, and favors from affluent men by her own father. Her trauma, however, didn't break her. Instead, it forged her into a survivor leader and an advocate for victims like herself.  This is an episode that confronts the ugly truths of familial trafficking and celebrates the power of resilience – you won’t want to miss it This is Part I of a two part story.

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How can you be a part of the solution in the fight against human trafficking and the promotion of social justice globally? Join me, Dr. Celia Williamson with conference co-host Anna Schramm, to explore the exciting line-up of our 20th annual International Human Trafficking and Social Justice Conference. Mark your calendars for September 20th to 22nd, and join us in making a difference!

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Ever wondered about the intricate workings of Homeland Security Investigations? Get ready to be enlightened by our insightful conversation with Kelly Baird, a Supervisory Special Agent at HSI since 2006. Kelly walks us through the significant role HSI plays within the Department of Homeland Security and their dedicated commitment to victim-focused approaches in trafficking investigations. From the tip line to partnerships with law enforcement and nonprofits, discover the multifaceted methods HSI employs to pursue leads on trafficking cases. Kelly also unravels the collaborative investigative process, an integral combination of an investigator and a victim assistance specialist.

The conversation deepens as we address the challenges faced during sex trafficking investigations. Kelly bravely shares her experiences and draws attention to the prevalent issues of sex trafficking and labor trafficking. The struggles in identifying these appalling crimes are real, and Kelly discloses the tactical strategies used to generate leads. Learn about the critical part the Victim Assistance Specialist (VAS) plays in the wake of these heinous crimes and the long-term relationships HSI nurtures with survivors. Get a rare perspective on how HSI differentiates itself from the FBI, the Border Patrol, and other DHS components. Prepare to be moved by the stark realities, challenges, and rewards of working in this pivotal field.

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Discover how Innovation Africa is transforming lives by providing electricity and clean water to rural African communities in our conversation with Michal Smith, Director of Communications for the organization. Learn about their incredible impact on over 4 million people across 10 African countries since 2008, and how their dedicated team members, Israeli technology, and local contractors are key to their success and sustainability.

In the second part of our episode, Celia reveals ways to get involved with Innovation Africa through fundraising and travel opportunities - even small contributions can go a long way! We also discuss the importance of freedom and our role in helping others achieve it, both locally and globally. Listen in for our words of wisdom for those looking to make a difference in non-profit work, and how you can contribute to anti-trafficking efforts and support rural African communities in their journey towards a better, safer future.

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Do  you celebrate Juneteenth? Is slavery indeed over? Should you use the term "modern day slavery" to describe human trafficking? Why or why not? Let's get into the conversation. 

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Sexually abused by his parents, Bill went on to be abused by both extended family and church members.  Instead of keeping and continuing the secret, Bill is courageously exposing the people and churches that abuse others, while teaching and mentoring positive love and caring to those who love God.

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Keyana Marshall tells her story of first being socialized by family, groomed by others and misunderstood, arrested, and victimized by the criminal justice system in Anchorage Alaska. She wrote a book about her experience called "Being Keyana Marshall". By the way, Alaska scored an F in the 2022 Share Hope International Report Cards for the way they handle human trafficking cases. 

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Dr. Dennis McCarty makes the important point that if women such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Elizabeth Heyrick, all with limited education and who were unable to vote, could serve in prominent roles in the name of freedom and justice, so could you. You just need to know how. In this episode Dr. McCarty discusses his book "The Quest to End Human Trafficking: An Educational and Practical Guide for Everyone Who Wants to Help Break the Bonds and Assist Survivors."  And the book is FREE to download!

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What did you do during the height of the pandemic? Well one very outgoing sister convinced the other sister to go into business making a line of jewelry that neither  knew how to make and run a business without business knowledge or experience- some of the proceeds of which would go to support survivors of sex trafficking. The business took off! "Ring True" now hires survivors in the U.S. and abroad to make rings for consumers around the world. They still give a portion of the proceeds to programs that support survivors. 

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Truth is difficult to hear, but survivors tell us that so far we have failed. Survey results from the first national survivor study reveals that "systems"  have largely failed survivors, including those that were involved prior to their trafficking experience, while involved, and after their trafficking experience.