Aware 2019 — Mississippians Against Human Trafficking

SOLD OUT!!!

Mississippians Against Human Trafficking cordially invites you to the exclusive premiere of the movie Sound of Freedom on the evening of July 3, 2023, at 6:30 PM.

This event is aimed at increasing awareness of the global issue of human trafficking and raising funds for MSAHT’s 2024 Human Trafficking Awareness Month Campaign. One-quarter of the funds raised will be donated to Operation Underground Railroad, which fights against child sex trafficking on a global scale, while the remainder will be used in Mississippi to bring awareness to the human trafficking issue in the region.

Scheduled for world-wide release July 4th, Sound of Freedom recounts the real-life events of Tim Ballard, a former Special Agent for the Department of Homeland Security, who recognized the insufficiency of government efforts in combatting child trafficking and exploitation worldwide. In response, he and a team of former government operatives left their careers to establish Operation Underground Railroad, a private foundation dedicated to rescuing children.

General admission tickets are available with a donation of $50 which includes 1 seat for the movie, a small popcorn, and a small drink.

Please note that seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis and theater capacity is 50.

Doors open at 6:00 pm with showtime starting promptly at 6:30 pm.

Special thanks to event sponsors!

· Food and Film Sponsored by Simmons Consulting.

· Film & Theater sponsored by Provision Designs.

· Food and Beverage Sponsored by Fondren Church.

Thanks for your support of Mississippians Against Human Trafficking.

MSAHT is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and your donation is tax-deductible.

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Aware2019 was a one-night conference held in july.
over 300 people attended to learn about human trafficking in Mississippi.

Find resources
and more below.

AWARE2019
media & Resources:

Listen to Audio from our presenters!

Lindsey Simmons, Mississippians Against Human Trafficking
Lindsey Simmons is an attorney and lobbyist in Jackson, Mississippi. In 2018, she helped found Mississippians Against Human Trafficking to serve as an umbrella organization bringing together groups, agencies, and individuals who are in the fight against trafficking. Lindsey is passionate about the anti-trafficking movement in our state. She gave an overview of human trafficking and talked about internet safety.

Jo Beth Petty Murphree, FCA
After 15 years as the Director of Student Leadership at Belhaven University, Jo Beth recently moved to Fellowship of Christian Athletes to become the first female Area Director in the southeast United States. Jo Beth has taken trips to work with human trafficking victims in Atlanta, and she has extensive experience working with students of all ages. Jo Beth explains how educators, coaches, ministers, and anyone who works with youth can be involved in preventing human trafficking.

Nick Brown, Hinds County Sheriff’s Office
Sergeant Nick Brown has dedicated over 15 years to serving the citizens of Hinds County. He currently works for the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office as the Sergeant over the K-9 and Narcotics Units, as well as a member of Metro SWAT. He is the primary Investigator assigned to human trafficking. He has conducted numerous investigations resulting in the arrests of offenders who are profiting from the abuse of human beings. Nick tells about what law enforcement is doing to fight human trafficking.

Sandy Middleton, The Center for Violence Prevention
Sandy Middleton is the Executive Director for The Center for Violence Prevention. The Center has served victims of domestic violence for nearly 30 years. Under Sandy’s leadership, The Center recognized the critical lack of resources for victims of human trafficking. In 2017, they opened The Tower, the state’s only shelter for human trafficking victims. Sandy explains the types of victims they are seeing and what victim services looks like.

Ron Crew, Mississippians Against Human Trafficking
Ron Crew recently retired from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy after 34 years in law enforcement. Ron has taken multiple trips to Thailand and Cambodia with ZOE International, Destiny Rescue, and SWAT Ministries International to rescue and work with victims of human trafficking. Ron has conducted numerous training sessions across the state on human trafficking. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Center for Violence Prevention and as Board President for Mississippians Against Human Trafficking. Ron talked about labor trafficking.

Panel Discussion
Moderated by Sarah Ulmer

View the video below from AWARE2019 for Medical Professionals.
Beth McCord is a Family Nurse Practitioner, a certified sexual assault nurse examiner, and Operations Manager for the Bridge Forensic Services. Beth’s passion for serving sexual assault survivors led her to join The Center for Violence Prevention’s team in 2013. In 2018, Beth helped open The Bridge, where she provides medical care to victims of human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence.