International Human Trafficking Expert Brings Anti-Slavery Message to Baltimore

Baltimore, MD, July 24, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Human trafficking is a $32 billion criminal industry affecting 27 million people worldwide. The Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, in partnership with the Monumental City Bar Association, will host an awareness and networking event featuring veteran anti-trafficking expert, Matt Friedman, and his son, Brandon. Matt and Brandon's engaging presentation will outline four steps that people of all ages can take to join the modern-day abolitionist movement. The presentation will be followed by a panel of Task Force partners to localize the information.

Human trafficking is a global, multi-faceted human rights abuse that exists in virtually every country around the world, including the United States. Trafficking crimes committed in the Baltimore area include the recruitment, enslavement, and sale of children and adults for sexual purposes. Forced labor practices involving children as well as adults, also are found in Maryland, as they are in other migrant populations throughout the country.

When:
Monday, August 4, 2014
6:00–8:00 p.m., with reception to follow

Where:
Ceremonial Courtroom, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
500 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD

Who:
Matthew Friedman, international human trafficking expert with 23 years of experience as a counter-trafficking activist, fundraiser, program designer, evaluator and manager; Friedman was Regional Project Manager for the United Nations Inter-Agency Project on Human Trafficking from 2006-2012

Brandon Friedman, advocate for young people joining counter-trafficking efforts

Aaliyah Muhammad, Public Awareness Subcommittee Chair, Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force

Amanda K. Rodriguez, Esq., Human Trafficking Policy Advisor, Governor's Office of Crime Control & Prevention

Alicia McDowell, Executive Director, Araminta Freedom Initiative

Major Rebecca Hogg, Associate Area Commander, The Salvation Army of Central Maryland

Tina Bigdeli, Maryland Outreach & Prevention Education Program Manager, FAIR Girls

K. Brooke Welch, Staff Attorney, Immigration Legal Services, Esperanza Center Catholic Charities of Baltimore

Morgan Weibel, Supervising Immigration Attorney, Tahirih Justice Center

This event is general admission, no tickets required. Members of the media are asked to RSVP to Kaaryn Keller at 443-413-4871 or Kaaryn_Keller@uss.salvationarmy.org to ensure best access to the event and presenters.

The Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force was formed in 2007 as an umbrella organization of local, state and federal agencies and private organizations designed to work collaboratively to identify and restore victims of human trafficking while investigating and prosecuting offenders. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the task force serves to coordinate activities, develop policy, and implement strategic plans to combat human trafficking in the State of Maryland. The task force maintains five active sub-committees: Law Enforcement, Victim Services, Training, Public Outreach and Legislative.

The Monumental City Bar Association (www.monumentalcitybar.com) is Baltimore’s oldest and largest specialty bar association. Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the Monumental City Bar Association has a long legacy and rich history as an advocate for African-American attorneys and the interests of the African American community in Baltimore City.

Established in 1816, the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law (www.law.umaryland.edu) is the third-oldest law school in the nation. Through excellence in teaching, the school seeks to prepare students for productive leadership and professional success in a wide range of careers, and to promote the highest standards of public, and professional service in both students and faculty.

Araminta Freedom Initiative (http://aramintafreedom.org) works to awaken, equip and mobilize the Church and community to end human trafficking in the Baltimore area.

Catholic Charities (www.catholiccharities-md.org) provides care and services to improve the lives of Marylanders in need, inspired by the Gospel mandates to love, serve and teach.

FAIR Girls (www.fairgirls.org) prevents the exploitation of girls worldwide with empowerment and education. Through prevention education, compassionate care, and survivor inclusive advocacy, FAIR Girls creates opportunities for girls to become confident, happy, healthy young women.

The Salvation Army of Central Maryland (www.SalvationArmyCM.org) serves residents of Baltimore City, as well as Baltimore, Howard, Carroll, and North Anne Arundel counties, through a broad array of social services that include providing emergency food, utilities, and rental assistance; emergency and transitional housing; mobile feeding programs; relief for disaster victims; holiday assistance; opportunities for underprivileged children; and three community centers (or “corps”) that act as both places of worship and service to their respective communities.

The Tahirih Justice Center (www.tahirih.org) is a national, non-profit organization with an office in Baltimore, Maryland that protects courageous immigrant women and girls who refuse to be victims of violence. We elevate their voices in communities, courts, and Congress to create a world where women and girls enjoy equality and live in safety and with dignity.