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Audience at Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Worthington

I have mentioned my trip to the Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington, Minnesota, in my last post, however, I thought I should share one of the questions I do get from the audience whenever I am out on such occasion; or when I communicate with people one-on-one. Sometimes, it comes in form of a comment, but is actually a question. This time, it came in form of comment from the email I received from Le Lucht, Coordinator of Multi-Cultural Affairs and Diversity of the college, and it reads: “…The conversations will continue about the Human Trafficking issue, but many of us would like to “do something” to help the situation, but are unsure what to do.”

To answer this question for Le and may others who are wondering what they can do to help the situation, I will say “show LOVE in your community. Compassion and care are embedded in love. Saying hello to the next door neighbor can go a very long way. You can never know who you will save one day by the expression of love. The federal government awareness campaign says “Look Beneath The Surface.” How do you do this – by looking for non-verbal cues. Victims of human trafficking are constantly living in fear. Even when they do not say it, it shows all over them that they are afraid.

To do something, you can become an advocate in your community; talk about it at your church, mosque, friend’s party, any kind of gathering, and, or join a local Rescue and Restore Coalition ( partner of the national Human Trafficking Resource Center). I have attended someone’s birthday party as a speaker where she invited her friends to learn about the issue of human trafficking. If you want me to come to your event or party to share my story and help educate your friends about human trafficking, I will be glad to. Just send out a request by filling out the contact form.

I can do something, you can do something, and we can do something to help victims, survivors, and prevent human trafficking in our community.

I hope to talk to you again through my blogs. If you have questions, comments or suggestions, please, send me a note – fill out the contact form. I want to hear from you. You can also get my recent posts by signing up to receive updates.

Thank you, until next time.

Bukola

Human trafficking has become an issue that concerns everybody. It was a pleasant evening at the Minnesota West Community and Technical College in Worthington. It was my first time in this town. I had been corresponding by emails back and forth with Le Lucht, the Coordinator of Multi-Cultural Affairs and Diversity of the college. There had been press interview over the phone and I found that the college received a lot of media press for the event.

It was quite impressive to see the crowd as they began to gather few minutes before the presentation. The staff members were friendly and warm; and when I finally met Le, she was a very pleasant woman. She introduced me to her husband, colleagues and community partners as they arrive the venue. At least, 70 people were in attendance.

As usual, I shared my story, alongside, the meaning of human trafficking, what to watch out for and how to be their neighbor’s keeper by showing love and compassion in their community. I was glad that there were first responders in the audience, especially when domestic abuse is what might be seen first before further investigations reveal human trafficking.

I was even happier that my presentation was further buttress when one of the local organization’s staff explained how they were able to help five women who were victims of human trafficking but showed up at first as victims of domestic abuse. She explained that they found out during intake screening. So, you never know, you might think you are being called or responding to domestic abuse, and it

could be more than that. The victim could be a trafficked victim.

I will like to say a big thank you to Le with this email from her:

Bukola, Good Afternoon!

I trust that you made it home safely and that you made your meeting on time! What a powerful message you shared with us last night through telling your story. I have had a number of individuals who had attended and some who had already heard about your testimonial comment on “how close to home” human trafficking truly is. I have had at least two people contact me about getting a copy of your book… God Bless You for your willingness to be forthright in your life’s story. Thank-You and please keep in touch. Le