Free Human Trafficking Awareness Online Seminars Offered Starting Sept. 21

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. have teamed up to combat human trafficking in Prince George’s County.

As part of the “United for the Fight” initiative, the two sororities will host three free human trafficking awareness online seminars. The first webinar, Human Trafficking 101, will take place Sept. 21 from 7 – 9 p.m. via Zoom. In this webinar, a team of experts will educate attendees on how to recognize the signs of human trafficking. Panelists will also provide actionable tips on how to help prevent human trafficking in the community. The Human Trafficking 101 panel includes the following experts:

· Renee Battle-Brooks, Esq., Executive Director, Prince George's County Office of Human Rights & Chair, Prince George's County Human Trafficking Task Force,

· Dr. V'Hesspa Glenn, Human Trafficking Division, Prince George's County Office of Human Rights,

· Caitlin Mohler, Investigator, Prince George's County Office of Human Rights, and

· Jackie Rhone, Department of Family Services, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division.

"Human trafficking encompasses both sex and labor and is the second largest and fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world,” Benita A. Swindell, president of Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., said. “We believe this partnership with DST to increase awareness about human trafficking is a win for our sororities and members of the communities that we serve in Prince George’s County.”

“It is estimated that human trafficking generates billions in profits each year, it is often not discussed and under-reported so, citizens are unaware of the signs in recognizing and reporting the occurrence of human trafficking,” added Miriam L. Brewer, president of Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. “Our partnership with AKA will allow us to educate residents on how to protect themselves and their loved ones and worthy of pooling our community education outreach resources and expertise.”

Registration is open for the Sept. 21, Human Trafficking 101 online seminar. Individuals can register for the event at PreventHumanTrafficking.eventbrite.com .

The Human Trafficking Awareness Series will continue in 2023 with the following sessions:

· Jan. 18, 2023 - Human Trafficking 201 - Legislation - 7 - 9 p.m.

This webinar will seek to inform citizens of current and upcoming legislation in the 2023 legislative session pertaining to human trafficking prevention.

· April 19, 2023 - Human Trafficking 301 – Protecting Our Children - 7 - 9 p.m.

This webinar will help provide awareness to residents of Prince George’s County of services available for victims of human trafficking, with a focus on services available for youth.