Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. Unite to Fight Human Trafficking in Prince George’s County

Prince George’s County, Md. September 8, 2022 - The Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA) and the Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc (DST) have joined together on an important initiative to combat Human Trafficking in Prince George’s County. These two historic organizations have committed to be “United for the Fight” to help end human trafficking in Prince George’s County. As part of this initiative the two sororities will host three FREE human trafficking awareness online seminars (webinars). The first webinar, Human Trafficking 101, will take place September 21, 2022, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 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,” said Benita A. Swindell, President of Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. “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,” said 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 September 21, Human Trafficking 101 online seminar. Individuals may register for the event at PreventHumanTrafficking.eventbrite.com .

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

·       January 18, 2023 - Human Trafficking 201 - Legislation - 7:00 - 9:00 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 - 7:00 - 9:00 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.

Maryland and Prince George’s County are human trafficking hot spots because of the proximity to DC and Virginia and the access to major transportation routes (I-95 and Route 1). There are also many truck and rest stops, bus depots, train stations, and airports where victims are trafficked. 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 Alumnae Chapter came together and agreed that this was a perfect time and topic. For more information, please contact UnitedfortheFight@gmail.com.