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Home>Archives for Unavoidable Destiny

August 8, 2013 by Shamere

Unavoidable Destiny | College Recruitment: Pimps and Their Master Plan

college boundThe number one question may adults ask children is “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Depending on the age of the child the response may vary. Some may answer a doctor, teacher, nurse, etc. Following the response of the child the adult may reference the importance of education and doing well in school. It is fair to say parents instill the importance of education in their children from an early age. Pimps use this as a recruitment tactic to manipulate individuals into the dark world of sex trafficking.

As far back as I can remember, I wanted be an attorney. I could see myself in the courtroom defending others and would often times dress up in my mother’s clothes pretending to be an attorney with my dolls as my client. My passion grew stronger as I began to pursue an undergraduate degree. This same passion was the source of manipulation that my pimp used to capture me into the dark underground culture we know today as sex trafficking. I was pursuing a degree in legal studies at St. Johns University under a full athletic scholarship. The summer before my junior year, I was injured during track practice. Though it was only a pulled hamstring, it represented the end of my track scholarship and potentially my college career. Finding myself $3,000 short for the spring semester, I met a man who offered to help me pay for school. I was cautious to take the offer but eager to return to school and complete my degree, so decided to take the risk. In the end, the risk ended up greater than I ever imagined. I spent 18 months under the control of a brutal pimp. He continued to promise to send me back to school but as each semester came and went, the reality that I was not returning became evident. Looking back it was as if my passion to complete my education was a blindfold that prevented me from seeing the truth and gave my trafficker the ability to manipulate me.

But my dream never faded.

Last week, I received my acceptance letter to continue my criminal justice education at Loyola University. I had mixed emotions about this. While a part of me was excited that I can continue another leg of my journey toward restoration, a part of me was nervous. That passion to become an attorney still lives in me and I quickly remember the end results of the last time I tried to exercise this passion for education. In the split of a second, I began thinking I had no money to return to school so how will I enroll. In fact, it was due to the lack of money why it was so easy for me to be recruited by my trafficker.

The Holy Spirit has a way of working things out because he sent people around me who were more excited about my acceptance to college than I was. It was through these moments that the Lord began to speak. I don’t have to be fearful about going after my dreams because He will provide. Moreover, this time I am more prepared, aware and knowledgeable.

As college students return to school this week, I know they are excited but thinking about the challenges they may face this semester – tuition, books, housing and food. Guess who else is thinking about these challenges and is lurking around college campuses – PIMPS!!!! They are setting up shop looking for that individual in need of some assistance.

I encourage college students to be aware of pimps and ask questions. If you feel like it’s too good to be true, it probably is, don’t ignore your gut feeling. There are resources available to assist you on your college journey. Ask questions, seek answers, and find solutions without being discouraged. Know that pimps are tricky and master manipulators who will try to convince you to make a decision you will later regret.

It happened to me don’t let it happen to you.

To learn more about pimp recruitment, control and manipulation from Shamere McKenzie join us at Sharing the Hope 2013 JuST Conference November 7-9 in Washington, D.C. To register, visit: www.sharedhope.org/sharingthehope

 

 

July 2, 2013 by Shamere

Unavoidable Destiny | Celebrating Independence

July 4th commemorates U.S. independence from Great Britain 237 years ago. It was another 87 years before slavery was abolished. But has slavery really been abolished? Is everyone free? When will victims of human trafficking celebrate their “independence day”?

july4Firecrackers, parades, sales, and the décor of red, white and blue can be seen and heard each year as we celebrate Independence Day. Our freedom in the U.S. was hard won and indeed should be celebrated!  But we must remain aware that not everyone is free—freedom is only a dream for many.  There is no celebration of independence for victims of sex trafficking.  While the U. S. declared itself free of Great Britain 237 years ago, encoding our rights and freedoms into the law of the land involved the efforts of many.  Similarly, victims of human trafficking will achieve independence because of the efforts of many.

My own transformation from victim to survivor to liberator was assisted by many people that gave me strength to carry on my fight. To begin with, I received services that addressed the psychological trauma I endured while enslaved. Wonderful people in the anti-trafficking community provided support and encouragement which enabled me to confidently pursue my dreams. Kevin Bales shared my story in his book, The Slave Next Door, and introduced me to the idea that I could use my story as a tool to educate, inform, warn, encourage and even liberate others! I am empowered when my voice is heard by Attorneys General from around the country and when my employer, Shared Hope, seeks my advice on policy.  And I am deeply grateful for the help of Betty Llorente, past president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys who made my case the first human trafficking case taken on by the Dade County “Put Something Back” pro bono project.

In 1776, John Adams, leading advocate of America’s freedom said of Independence Day: “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty… solemnized with pomp and parade…from one end of this continent to the other….”

As I read this I wondered when and how we will celebrate the day of deliverance for victims of human trafficking.  I didn’t have to think long to realize there is already much to celebrate—I see survivors around the country who are playing an active role in the fight against human trafficking; they are writing books, putting on plays, providing services to other survivors, running successful businesses and much more. And I celebrate my recent graduation from college and my involvement in the anti-trafficking movement provides proof to other survivors that we can be overcomers.

Most of all, I celebrate the anointing of Jesus Christ on my life as I continue this journey, carrying out what I believe to be a divine assignment. What are you celebrating this Independence Day?

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