Human trafficking is sometimes presented by those working within the field as “modern day slavery” -- framing the United States’ modern efforts to prevent and end trafficking and support those who have survived it as a continuation of historical abolition of chattel slavery. While these narratives are useful in garnering public support, awareness, and funding, they do so at the expense of racial equity work that brings awareness to systemic racism’s historical roots. This presentation will trace the historical lineage from chattel slavery to the current systems and institutions in the United States which carry on its legacy of racism, and explore the modern anti-trafficking movement’s historical roots as instead located in the White Slave Traffic Act (Mann Act) of 1910. Presenters will then propose shifts in language and framing for use in U.S. advocacy that honor the continuing work of racial equity without minimizing the urgency of ending human trafficking.

Dr. Vincent Filetti is the co-developer of the ACEs which is highlighted in the current presentation. This is a rare event, a seminal workshop that Dr. Filetti is graciously providing to participants of SAFE 2019. The talk is unique in its addressing human trafficking and how ACEs impacts the vulnerability of youth and adults to human trafficking. His speaking engagements are very limited at this time, and we are honored to have him give us his time.

https://youtu.be/v3A_HexLxDY