In anticipation of the thousands of people expected to flock to the Fort Worth area for the Grand Prix and the World Cup, local leaders invited families to gather for a day centered on raising awareness of human trafficking.
The Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is hosting a Human Trafficking Awareness Forum from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 17 at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in northeast Fort Worth.
The forum, which comes during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, is designed to raise awareness and offer prevention resources months before North Texas is buzzing from two major events, said Misty Wilder, chair of the social action committee for the chapter.
“Although we’re excited that these events are coming — it will produce economics for the city — but also, we want to make sure that our youth and families are safe during this time,” Wilder said.
If you go
What: Human Trafficking Awareness Forum
When: 10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 17
Where: Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 2001 Bonnie Brae Ave., Fort Worth
Register here.
The group is collaborating with Unbound Now, a national faith nonprofit focused on the prevention and identification of human trafficking by offering data on human trafficking, including what to look out for and how to respond to or report an incident, said chapter President Demetrice S. Thompson.
Sonya Brooks, director of youth prevention in North Texas for Unbound Now, said major sporting events can be a factor in increased exploitation or trafficking activity.
“It’s very important for communities to understand that these types of events will bring people in who might be tempted to and actually engage in the purchasing of sex when they’re away,” Brooks said.
During the forum, Brooks plans to address factors that make youth vulnerable to exploitation, such as housing insecurity and hunger, as well as highlight grooming techniques traffickers utilize and tools youth can use to protect themselves, she added.
“Many times families experience these things, and children know it, but they’re afraid to tell people, or they’re embarrassed to tell people. So that’s oftentimes the hook that these exploiters have,” Brooks said.
The Fort Worth Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is a group of college-educated women “committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community,” according to its website.
Saturday’s event marks the local chapter’s third year of hosting a forum dedicated to human trafficking awareness and prevention. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group offered the discussion virtually.
Looking ahead of the forum, Thompson said she hopes that a familiar place like a church makes attendees feel comfortable enough to engage in dialogue and ask questions throughout the conversation.
“It can happen to anyone, any neighborhood, boys and girls alike,” Thompson said. “So we just wanted to make sure that everyone is aware.”
Visit the event’s page to register.
Marissa Greene is a Report for America corps member, covering faith for the Fort Worth Report. You can contact her at marissa.greene@fortworthreport.org.
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