FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 15, 2023 CONTACT: Racine Tucker-Hamilton, racinehamilton@gmail.com, 301.922.8417
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated Unite to Host a Human Trafficking Awareness Webinar Focused on Protecting Children from Trafficking in Prince George’s County
Prince George’s County, Md. - The Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter (PEO) of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA) and the Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter (PGCAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (DST) remain United For the Fight© to combat Human Trafficking in Prince George’s County. As part of this initiative the two sororities are hosting FREE human trafficking awareness online seminars (webinars).
The third webinar in the series, Human Trafficking 301- Protecting Children, will take place April 19, 2023, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. via Zoom. This webinar will provide awareness to residents of Prince George’s County of services available for victims of human trafficking, with a focus on youth services. Confirmed panelists include:
● Dr. Erin Jones, Clinical Assistant Professor of Family & Adolescent Medicine at University of Southern, California (USC),
● James Mason, PhD., Chief, Human Resources and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Officer, CareOregon, Inc.,
● Ryan Harrison, Child Protective Services Trainer, Prince George’s County Department of Social Services,
● Dr. Henry P. Davis III, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Highland Park,
● Derrica Wilson, Co-Founder, Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI), and
● Tina Fundt, Survivor and Executive Director of Courtney’s House. Registration is open for the Human Trafficking seminar. Individuals may register for the event at HumanTrafficking301.eventbrite.com. The event is free, but registration is required.
“Human Trafficking is a global problem, and children are some of the most vulnerable to this exploitative crime. Children and adolescents who have been trafficked often experience significant emotional, physical, educational, and economic impacts. Knowledge is a powerful first step in the fight against Human Trafficking. We are thrilled to continue this collaboration with Delta Sigma Theta to maximize our reach in the community and amplify the message that human trafficking must end.” said Benita A. Swindell, president of Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
“It is imperative that we become educated on Human Trafficking as it is happening in plain sight. This global enterprise is destroying too many lives and we must do everything possible to protect children. We continue to collaborate with Alpha Kappa Alpha on eradicating human trafficking as the cause is greater than the colors we wear.” said Miriam L. Brewer, president of the Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The sororities have hosted two previous virtual webinars in their three-part Human Trafficking awareness series. The first, Human Trafficking 101, was held on September 21, 2022, the second, Human Trafficking 201: Legislation, was held on January 26, 2023.
Maryland and Prince George’s County are human trafficking hot spots because of the proximity to Washington, D.C. and Virginia and the access to major transportation routes (I-95 and Route 1). This area also offers several conventions, events, and tourist attractions, which increase the demand for trafficking victims.
About the United for the Fight Initiative The “United for the Fight” initiative was born out of a shared commitment to educate residents about the types and frequency of human trafficking occurring in Prince George’s County. A year ago, the chapter presidents of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter and Delta Sigma Theta’s Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter came together and agreed that this was a perfect time and topic. For more information, please contact UnitedfortheFight@gmail.com.
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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated®, Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter, chartered in April 2007, is an award-winning chapter celebrating 16 years of service in the in Laurel, Bowie, and Greenbelt, Maryland.
The Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated® was chartered on March 31,1974. The award-winning chapter spans the entire county and is the largest Delta chapter in the world.
Press Release: United for the Fight Webinar April 2023