Community Influencers
exhibitions:
An Opening prelude event will launch a 2-3 week art exhibition at a conducive gallery proficient space in the area. The exhibition features a professionally commissioned series of fine art that illuminates the biographical stories of real people involved in the 7 stages of the human trafficking process. The exhibition will also include aspiring local artists that specialize in different mediums unique to the taste and preferences of a particular city such as installation work or large format exterior murals.
Although rhetorical in nature, each opening event will include a 70 minute experiential program that will emphasize the distinct values of restorative justice. This will include a brief introduction, appropriate entertainment, multi-media presentation, culinary partnership, networking time, and a clear ask to support The Unlikely Mission.
This program will be open to community influencers such as non-profit employees and volunteers, community service agencies, local artists, and the general public.
An invitation to somewhat of a cliché visual interpretation of “The Game” or the Human Trafficking issue is only part of the story. This piece portrays an abstract depiction of a young girl alone in a hotel room attempting to confront her emotionally fragile, broken, and numbing circumstances. Shame is her greatest adversary. Her age, race, ethnicity, body type, and personality all influence her value and “shelf life”. She is cross-cultural, cross-economic, and cross-generational. What most likely began as a desperate attempt to find authentic love has now evolved into being recruited, and even recruiting others into her unimaginable life. She can be found in every neighborhood in America.
PRODUCT
The art of speech is a powerful tool. It is a unique craft that can be both a learned skill and a natural gift. Once seen as admired, urban protectors and even heroes with substantial wealth, nice cars, and distinguished fashion palettes, “Pimps” or managers are a significant part of America’s history and embedded in the fabric of modern day society. Dante Dears, pictured here with his son, is a third generation pimp. His father is reputed 1960's Oakland based Pimp known as “International Blu”, and his Grandfather is none other than the legendary 1950's San Francisco based pimp “Fillmore Slim”, who was once married to singer Etta James. His uncle “Gangsta Brown”, is best known for his connection to British actor Hugh Grant, who was arrested in Hollywood for soliciting one of Brown's girls, “Devine Brown”.
MANAGER
One of the most unlikely participants in the human trafficking process is illuminated in this piece. Although Distributors are often connected to complex organized crime networks, they typically look like the people that we would least expect to be involved. This piece reveals one shocking variation; it shows someone like Benecia Lopez, a grandmother used by organized crime to cultivate paternal relationships with potential underage victims for months at a time, just prior to them being distributed to “apartment brothels” across the country. There is imagery throughout the painting that reveals hidden indicators that connect the subject to Narco culture.
distributor
Often overlooked and rarely ever discussed in Anti-Human Trafficking academic vernacular, is the cultural and economic diversity of buyers who fuel the thriving industry, now and throughout history. This piece, although relatively abstract, provokes profound insight into the relationship that various industries have to the Human Trafficking issue. Our athletes, entertainers, military, blue collar workers, and our white collar professionals all participate as consumers. The overwhelming risk and immense dangers are hidden beneath a fragile shell of normality. The private lives of insatiable consumers are often disguised by trusted public occupations.
CONSUMER
Jason Page is one of the most pioneering and prolific advocates in the fight against Human Trafficking in the U.S. and around the globe. After a transformational event, Jason's life was radically altered and immersed into an unlikely journey that few have experienced. The close encounters and unique circumstances in Jason’s story offer a rare glimpse into the lives of the people, practices, and culture of modern day slavery in America.
He is the creator of a series of media tools and writing resources designed to help students, educators, collegiate institutions, and churches to respond effectively against the human trafficking epidemic in the United States.
As a featured speaker and conference panelist, Page’s dynamic perspective offers a direct and yet inspiring honesty in the prevention, treatment, and ultimate eradication of one of the greatest tragedies in human history. His international experiences include projects in places like Mexico, Russia, Brazil, Turkey, Colombia, Thailand, and Burma. He is a licensed and ordained pastor with over 20 years of ministry experience, a proud father, and a man with a deep love for humanity. Jason's testimony is powerful, his vision is compelling, and his ability to communicate is extraordinary.
ADVOCATE
Officer James “Chappie” Hunter personifies both the idealistic and realist conflict often associated with the role and responsibility of law enforcement. “The Blue Line” and its bold degrees of separation come with their own set of burdens and rewards that few truly understand. The narrative of why and how humanity is policed is reflected in a variety of philosophies found on the steps of justice. While being subject to the criticism of real and perceived abuses of power from others just like him, he is still committed to fulfill his duty to protect and serve. In his pursuit of being a person of character and integrity that can be trusted, he must often distinguish the difference between crimes against the state and crimes against the community.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Criminal Justice Defense Attorney Jasmine Berndt has the mission and challenge to defend those who are accused by the state. With the largest number of incarcerated people in the world, the justice system in the United States is constantly adjusting and modifying its terms and consequences to the expressed will of its people. Although laws vary from state to state, new and innovative approaches are gradually reshaping the size and scope of social justice issues like Human Trafficking. Although statistics are clearly disproportionate, the need and participation of compassionate and qualified legal representatives is paramount.
LEGISLATION
The epidemic of Human Trafficking has, without question, had a profound effect on countless generations across virtually every continent since the beginning of history. Whether socially minimized or endorsed, the catastrophic impact of the issue is severe and far-reaching. It mentally, emotionally, and physically obstructs those who have been harmed and their families, those who have caused harm and their families, and the relevant communities around them from embracing the fullness that life has to offer. This child’s mother, father, and aunts have all been a part of the tragic circumstances caused by the trade. They were all rescued and introduced to the recovery and restorative process. Raine was adopted, and now lives with a forever family that loves and supports her unconditionally.