Press Releases | Frederick Douglass Family Foundation |Human Trafficking

Commemorating the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

November 30, 2011 By FDFF.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Robert J. Benz
Telephone: 702.523.4845
Email: rbenz@fdff.org

Commemorating the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
Millions Still Held in Contemporary Forms of Servitude

(Atlanta, GA – December 2, 2011) The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation (FDFF) is joining with the United Nations in recognizing December 2nd as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.

“4,000,000 people in this country were freed from slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation and the ensuing Civil War,” states Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., FDFF President and direct descendant of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. “Hundreds of thousands sacrificed their lives for freedom during that war and still many are not free. We must end slavery once and for all so that those lives will not have been lost in vain.”

Law enforcement agencies and non-governmental organizations most often estimate the number of people held in servitude at 12 to 30 million worldwide. Detailed statistical information on human trafficking is difficult to obtain because of the veiled nature of the crime and because of the lack of law enforcement standardization internationally or even nationally when it comes to identifying victims.

“We believe that education is the key,” Morris continues, ”to preventing the bane of slavery from establishing a foothold in our communities.”

The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that creates human trafficking curricula for use in middle schools and high schools encouraging young people to affect the issue of modern slavery by mobilizing through digital media. For more information about the foundation contact Robert Benz at 702-523-4845 or email rbenz@fdff.org.

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Filed Under: News and Events, Press Releases Tagged With: abolition, abolition of slavery, direct descendant, douglass family, emancipation proclamation, Enforcement, fdff, modern slavery, RBenz, servitude, slavery, trafficking

Backpage.com Protests on 11.16

November 11, 2011 By FDFF.org

Leading Human Rights Groups To Protest Village Voice Media in NYC on 11/16/11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 11, 2011

Contacts:

NORMA RAMOS, Esq., (212) 643-9895 and MELISSA FARLEY, Ph.D., (415) 922-4555

On November 16, 2011 between 4 and 7 PM the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW), Prostitution Research and Education (PRE) and over 100 national and international co-sponsors will protest Village Voice Media Holdings, LLC (VVM) at its offices in New York City in front of the Village Voice building, for its facilitation of sex trafficking through its website Backpage.com.

A large portion of VVM’s profits arise from its facilitation of sex trafficking. VVM mainstreams online pimping – providing a vehicle for sex traffickers to reach buyers of human beings for prostituted sex. By providing traffickers and johns with a virtual red light district, VVM is aiding, abetting and enormously profiting from sex trafficking. “Civil libertarian and liberal institutions should not be in the position of profiting from and defending the practice of women and children being bought and sold for prostituted sex” says Norma Ramos, Executive Director of CATW.

Our protest is co-sponsored by over 100 leading human rights and anti-trafficking organizations and prominent individuals including Equality Now, Soroptimist International of the Americas, Apne Aap, Alicia Keys, Gloria Steinem, Aboriginal Women’s Action Network, Breaking Free, Ambassador Mark Lagon, Frederick Douglass Family Foundation, Temple Committee Against Human Trafficking, and A Call to Men.

Sex trafficking is fueled by the demand for prostitution along with the anonymity and impunity of buyers that websites like Backpage.com provide. According to Melissa Farley, of PRE, “Websites like Backpage.com have expanded the reach of pimps and traffickers. VVM has helped to intensify the humiliation and violence inflicted by johns on women and girls in prostitution.” Some have argued that if newspapers like Village Voice are to survive, it’s inevitable that somebody will be sexually exploited. We disagree. Publishers of online and print classifieds must take responsibility for the ads they choose to publish and profit from.

51 Attorneys General describe Backpage.com as a sex trafficking hub and call on Village Voice Media to cease being a vehicle for and profiting from human trafficking. Village Voice Media is turning a deaf ear to this clear and unified directive from law enforcement. The purpose of our protest is clear: “We are sending a message to Village Voice Media that by hosting these ads, they are at odds with the human rights community and are in part responsible for the rank exploitation that is human trafficking. The question now remains, will VVM choose profits over human rights principles” says Ms. Ramos.

“Online pimping through Backstage in Australia makes it clear that the state governments that legalize prostitution have no control over the violence and crime that is endemic to the prostitution industry,” says Sheila Jeffreys, Director of CATW-Australia.

“If the survival of your business depends on the physical exploitation of people, it’s time to revisit your business model” says Robert Benz, Founder and Executive Director, Frederick Douglass Family Foundation and leading organizer of the protest at the VVM headquarters in Phoenix, AZ taking place on the same day.

It would be an act of corporate responsibility if VVM ceased facilitating sex trafficking thereby helping us to create a sex trafficking free Internet.

There will be a press conference at 5 PM at the protest. Speakers include: Sonia Ossorio of NOW-NYC, Jimmy Briggs of Man Up Campaign, Cherie Jimenez of Kim’s Project, Faith Huckel of Restore, and Ted Bunch of A Call to Men.

For a complete list of the 100 co-sponsors who join CATW and PRE visit our websites:

www.catwinternational.org and www.prostitutionresearch.com

Filed Under: News and Events, Press Releases Tagged With: coalition against trafficking, com, douglass family, Human, human rights groups, immediate release november, Media, melissa farley, protest, sex, sex trafficking, voice

Backpage.com Accused of Collaborating with Sex Traffickers

November 10, 2011 By FDFF.org

Contact: Robert J. Benz FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel. 702.523.4845
Email: rbenz@fdff.org

Backpage.com Accused of Collaborating with Sex Traffickers
Citizens/Activists Plan November 16th Protest at Phoenix Headquarters

Phoenix, AZ. November 14, 2011 – We all know that Abraham Lincoln freed 4 million people from bondage and ended institutionalized slavery in the United States. What many of us don’t know, however, is that millions around the globe are still forced to work in horrific conditions against their will for little or no pay. It happens in China, it happens in Africa and it even happens here in Phoenix, Arizona.

“Just last month a man was arrested in the Valley for selling a 15 year-old child for sex on the website, Backpage.com,” says Andy Hall from the group, Southern Arizona Against Slavery. “Backpage.com has been asked repeatedly to eliminate the Adult section of their website because they are facilitating the exploitation of minors and adults. Thus far they have refused to do so. How would you feel if that was your daughter being sold?”

Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., President of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation, will join the November 16th demonstration at the Phoenix headquarters of Village Voice Media, the owner of Backpage.com. “Both of my famous ancestors, Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington, were born into slavery. I have spent a lot of time trying to understand this crime. Slavery is slavery whether it happened 200 years ago or it happens today and it certainly appears to me that Backpage.com is facilitating a contemporary form slavery.”

Other groups that will be participating in Wednesday’s protest, scheduled for 3pm – 6pm at 1201 E. Jefferson Blvd., as part of The 11.16 Coalition include Catholic Charities DIGNITY program, Streetlight, the University of Arizona and Abolition Media. Phoenix is not the only place where protests will be taking place. The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women International and Prostitution Research and Education will be leading a simultaneous demonstration in New York City at Village Voice Media offices.

In addition, 46 Attorneys General have signed on to request that Backpage.com remove its Adult section saying they have tracked more than 50 cases in 22 states where charges were filed for trafficking or attempted trafficking of minors on Backpage.com. Clergy from across the country have also signed on to their own letter urging Backpage.com to stop facilitating trafficking.

For more information about Backpage.com or the November 16th demonstration, please contact Robert J. Benz at 702-523-4845 or email rbenz@fdff.org. For more information visit: http://www.fdff.org/backpage-protest.html

Filed Under: News and Events, Press Releases Tagged With: Abraham Lincoln, catholic charities, com, douglass family, fdff, horrific conditions, Media, protest, slavery in the united states, Traffickers, trafficking, website

Human Trafficking Survivors Launch Speakers Bureau

October 11, 2011 By FDFF.org

Contact: Robert J. Benz FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel. 702.523.4845
Email: rbenz@fdff.org

Human Trafficking Survivors Launch Speakers Bureau
Voices of Strength Bring Modern-day Slavery to Light

Atlanta, GA, October 12, 2011 – Not since the 19^th century has the Slave-turned-Orator played such an important role in the struggle for basic human rights. The Truth Panel, introduced by the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation (FDFF), is a Speakers Bureau comprised of human trafficking survivors with a mission to educate the public about the reality of today’s slavery.

The project is dedicated to the legacy of Sojourner Truth who believed that she was called upon by God to travel the country speaking the truth about her experiences in life. Born into slavery in 1797, Truth was intimately familiar with the cruel injustice of servitude and, after gaining her own freedom, she committed her future to those that still languished in bondage.

“Former slaves like Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass were the heart of the Abolitionist movement in this country,” Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. recently told an audience of middle school students. “The survivors of this horrible crime will lead again.” Morris is the President of FDFF as well as the great-great-great grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great grandson of Booker T. Washington.

“In the victim assistance field, the ‘power of the personal story’ has been a driving force since our inception 40 years ago,” says Anne Seymour, National Crime Victim Advocate.

The Panel will provide victim impact at conferences for law enforcement, service providers, the judiciary, chambers of commerce, community centers, boards of tourism, human rights campaigners and, of course, educational institutions.

Truth Panel speakers include advocates and activists such as: Tina Frundt, Anne Bissell, Theresa Flores, Shamere McKenzie and James Kofi Annan. A complete list of current speakers can be found here. To see a brief informational video click here.

The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public charity that uses history to educate students and communities about the growing problem of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Truth Panel members are available for speaking engagements across the United States and in other select countries. For more information, interview requests or booking inquiries, please contact Robert J. Benz at 702-523-4845 or email rbenz@fdff.org. Visit http://www.fdff.org/truth-panel.html for more information.

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Filed Under: News and Events, Press Releases Tagged With: abolitionist movement, Contact, crime victim advocate, cruel injustice, human rights campaigners, national crime victim, org, RBenz, slavery, sojourner truth, truth, victim

FREDERICK DOUGLASS DESCENDANT CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

August 15, 2011 By FDFF.org

Contact: Sidmel Estes-Sumpter FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel. 770.460.7647
Email: sid@sidmelestes.com

FREDERICK DOUGLASS DESCENDANT CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

International Effort Targets Traffickers of Women and Children

Atlanta, GA, August 15, 2011 – Nettie Washington Douglass wants to put an end to human trafficking and she’s uniting the voices of women to do it. What makes her think she can take on such a difficult issue? History.

She’s a direct descendant of two of America’s greatest leaders: the great-great granddaughter of Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave who fought to end the institution of slavery in the United States, and Booker T. Washington, a man born into slavery who founded what is now Tuskegee University as a way to educate and train newly freed slaves. Ms. Douglass concedes that the work of Frederick Douglass and the other Abolitionists has not permanently ended slavery in this country.

“Slavery continues all over the world including here in the United States,” Ms. Douglass remarked during a recent interview. “Today, the buying and selling of people is called human trafficking. Those being subjugated most in our communities are girls and women. As a mother, a grandmother and as a woman, I must take a stand. As women, we must take a stand against the rape, exploitation and violence against our own by johns, traffickers and corporate profiteers.”

Ms. Douglass, Chairwoman of the Atlanta-based public charity, Frederick Douglass Family Foundation (FDFF), is calling upon leaders of women’s groups and influential female leaders all over the world to join a fall campaign that her foundation is calling, an anti-trafficking revolution. “Start by sending me a single paragraph from you or your organization and I will assemble them so that we are all heard as one voice.”

Sharon Fisher, President of Soroptimist International of the Americas, an organization that has worked for almost 90 years to improve the lives of women and girls, says, “The first step to ending trafficking and prostitution is to change society’s views about the value of women and girls, and to end the demand. The second is to ensure that women and girls are educated and have choices where their own futures are concerned. Trafficking and prostitution constitute modern day slavery. We must do everything possible to end these demeaning, violent, horrible crimes.”

Gloria Allred, discrimination Attorney, Feminist Lawyer, also adds:

“Advocating for the rights of women has been a focus of my career. I recently represented a victim of sex trafficking who was a minor. She found that the scales of justice were weighted on the side of the perpetrators. Human trafficking victims deserve support and so I lend my voice to the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation and their campaign to prevent this crime.”

Ms. Douglass requests that statements, like the ones above from Ms. Fisher and Ms. Allred, be sent to campaign@fdff.org.

The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public charity that uses history to help educate students and communities about the growing problem of human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Ms. Douglass and her son, Kenneth B. Morris, Jr., are available for public appearances and speaking engagements. For more information, interview requests or booking inquiries, please contact, Sidmel Estes-Sumpter at 770-460-7647.

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Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: Contact, direct descendant, douglass family, IMMEDIATE, institution of slavery, Sidmel, slavery in the united states, soroptimist international, Sumpter, trafficking, tuskegee university, voice

Faith 4 Justice Youth Council Announced

May 24, 2011 By FDFF.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Faith 4 Justice Youth Council Announced

Atlanta, GA – (May 24, 2011) – The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation (FDFF) has announced the formation of the Faith 4 Justice Youth Council. The Council will assist FDFF in designing and initiating anti-human trafficking programs for faith-based organizations across the United States. Young people aged 13 to 18 are eligible to apply for a one-year term on the Council.

“We will select 50 students from all over the country that are interested in helping us address the issue of human trafficking and modern-day slavery,” says Ken Morris, President of FDFF. “These young leaders will help in creating projects that will have a real impact on this global dilemma. Their ideas will affect change.”

FDFF is accepting applications beginning immediately with a deadline of June 15th. The Board will meet via a toll-free conference call monthly with the first call tentatively scheduled for June 22nd. An online application can be found at http://fdff.org/faith-application.html. Parental consent will be required prior to confirming Council membership.

FDFF is an Atlanta-based 501(c)3 founded by the direct descendants of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. Chairwoman, Nettie Washington Douglass is the great, great granddaughter of Douglass and the great granddaughter of Washington. The organization seeks to end human trafficking through education and by engaging young people to create a social movement through digital and traditional media. The Faith 4 Justice Youth Council is a volunteer group.

For more information about the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation, please visit www.fdff.org or contact Robert Benz, Executive Vice President, at rbenz@fdff.org or 702-523-4845.

Click here to apply

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P.O. Box 421211 | Atlanta | GA | 30342 | Phone: 866.960.9299

www.fdff.org

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: call, Council, douglass family, fdff, global dilemma, human trafficking, June, justice, modern day slavery, nettie washington douglass, trafficking, www

Attention All Students

May 18, 2011 By FDFF.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Service-Learning Student Advisory Board Announced

Atlanta, GA – (May 18, 2011) – The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation (FDFF) has announced the formation of a Student Board of Advisors for their 2011-12 service-learning programs. Students that will be entering grades 7-12 in fall 2011 are eligible to apply for a seat on the Board.

“We will select 50 students from all over the country that are interested in helping us address the issue of human trafficking and modern-day slavery,” says Ken Morris, President of FDFF. “These young people will assist in creating service projects that will have a real impact on this global dilemma. Their ideas will affect change.”

FDFF is accepting applications beginning immediately with a deadline of June 8th. The Board will meet via a toll-free conference call monthly with the first call tentatively scheduled for June 15th. Applications should be sent to Robert Benz via email at rbenz@fdff.org and they should include: student’s full name, current grade, zip code, email address and a brief explanation of why they want to join the Board (no more than 250 words). Parental consent will be required prior to confirming membership.

For more information about the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation, please visit www.fdff.org or contact Robert Benz, Executive Vice President, at 702-523-4845.

Click here to apply

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P.O. Box 421211 | Atlanta | GA | 30342 | Phone: 866.960.9299

www.fdff.org

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: Advisors, call, douglass family, fdff, global dilemma, June, modern day slavery, nettie washington douglass, Service, student advisory board, trafficking, www

NatGeo Civil Warriors Release

April 8, 2011 By FDFF.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FREDERICK DOUGLASS DESCENDANT RELIVES CIVIL WAR TRIBULATIONS

National Geographic Channel’s Mini-Series Civil Warriors Reveals Unexpected Discoveries Atlanta, GA- (April 8, 2011) – Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. is the direct descendant of both Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington, but he „never felt an ancestor‟s presence so deeply‟ until he retraced the Civil War footsteps of his great-great uncle and Frederick Douglass‟ oldest son, Lewis. Morris is the great-great-great grandson of Douglass and the great-great grandson of
Washington.

Civil Warriors premiers Monday, April 11, 2011, at 8 p.m. ET/PT with three back-to-back hours on National Geographic Channel. Morris will appear in the second hour, Civil Warriors: Free at Last at 9 p.m. ET/PT. As the President of the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation, he has more than just a passing interest in slavery and the struggle for freedom. The Frederick Douglass Family Foundation is an Atlanta-based 501 (c) (3) public charity that uses history to help educate students and communities about the growing problem of human trafficking.

“Ironically, it was the National Geographic Magazine article, 21st -Century Slaves that was the catalyst for my decision to establish a foundation and continue my ancestor‟s legacy in fighting for freedom today,” says Morris. The producers of Civil Warriors bring history to life through rarely seen letters, journals and still photographs that are transformed into moving pictures. At the request of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass recruited for the famous 54th Massachusetts Regiment that was depicted in the 1989 film, Glory. His sons Charles and Lewis Douglass were the first recruits for this all Black regiment.

“Being a part of this remarkable experience reemphasized for me the importance of utilizing history to address today‟s issues of human trafficking and modern-day slavery,” states Morris. “On the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, this mini-series should be required viewing for the entire family and anyone that values freedom.” Morris is also a highly respected public speaker and commentator. For interview requests or booking inquiries, please contact Julia Derrick of JD Public Relations, jdpr2009@gmail.com.

For more information about Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. and the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation visit www.fdff.org or follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

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P.O. Box 421211 | Atlanta | GA | 30342 | Phone: 866.960.9299

www.fdff.org

Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: 54th massachusetts regiment, Civil, civil warriors, douglass family, freedom, modern day slavery, National, national geographic channel, national geographic magazine, regiment, Today, trafficking

Commemorating the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

Backpage.com Protests on 11.16

Leading Human Rights Groups To Protest Village Voice Media in NYC on 11/16/11

Backpage.com Accused of Collaborating with Sex Traffickers

Human Trafficking Survivors Launch Speakers Bureau

Human Trafficking Survivors Launch Speakers Bureau
Voices of Strength Bring Modern-day Slavery to Light

FREDERICK DOUGLASS DESCENDANT CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

Faith 4 Justice Youth Council Announced

Attention All Students

NatGeo Civil Warriors Release

Get Informed!

JOIN THE MOVEMENT
TO END SLAVERY

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Leading Human Rights Groups To Protest Village Voice Media in NYC on 11/16/11

Human Trafficking Survivors Launch Speakers Bureau Voices of Strength Bring Modern-day Slavery to Light

Get Informed!

JOIN THE MOVEMENT TO END SLAVERY

Featured Video

Human Trafficking Survivors Launch Speakers Bureau
Voices of Strength Bring Modern-day Slavery to Light

JOIN THE MOVEMENT
TO END SLAVERY