By Caitlyn Kautzman
San Bernardino County residents took to the streets of San Bernardino on Friday morning to protest human trafficking, holding signs having anti-human trafficking slogans boldly written across them.
On the morning of Friday, January 23, dozens of community members from all over San Bernardino County and some neighboring counties came together for the annual anti-human trafficking walk led by Open Door in downtown San Bernardino. The purpose of this event was to bring the community together to inform and spread awareness of the reality of human trafficking and how it is happening in places people would never imagine it to be happening, which includes right here in San Bernardino.
This event began at 8 in the morning and lasted until about noon. It was held at Open Arms, a youth drop-in center, and hosted by the Open Door. Both programs were created by Family Assistance Program, a nonprofit that has specialized in helping groups that are in need through their various programs in San Bernardino County since 1985.
The Open Door program was started to fight against sexually exploited children and adults, and allow victims to have a place where they can go, somewhere with an open door policy, no questions asked, when in need of help. Through this program, victims can have a support system of advocates and case managers to help them with their needs.
This program is led by empowerment advocates, some of whom are survivors themselves and they are there to help these victims in any way they can by providing them with resources and shelter. Part of the mission statement of the Open Door program is to “meet each person where they are at, not where [anyone thinks] they should be.”
The event on January 23 began with music, dancing, and snacks, and everyone was able to mingle and find out what resources are offered all around the community.
Different community partners also came out to support and had tables up where residents could come up to see what services they offered. Some of those who came out to show their support included One-Stop TAY, a center that helps young adults by providing them with resources and support, Dignity Health, which explained the free services and classes they offer to the community, and Operation New Hope, a youth opportunity center that is located next door to Open Arms.
Before the walk began, posters with anti-human trafficking slogans were handed out to participants to hold while they walked. These posters were held high as participants walked down the streets of San Bernardino shouting “Stop human trafficking,” and “Our children are not for sale.”
These voices were loud and heard by fellow residents of the immediate vicinity as they began emerging from their homes, businesses, and establishments to see what was happening. Some passersby seemed to agree with the protest, nodding their heads in approval and honking when passing by in their cars as participants marched in the street. Some looked confused by the presence of us as protesting participants and some even refused to acknowledge the protest. Some looked confused by the presence of us as protesting participants and some even refused to acknowledge the protest.
“We appreciate all of the support from our community and are empowered to spread following the event.
For myself, as a participant, the whole experience was very powerful to be a part of. The way these strangers came together for this important cause was amazing to see.
It is important to note that this event was put together as a nonprofit event and everyone that participated did so because they want to help spread awareness about the human trafficking and sexual exploitation that is occurring everywhere. Everyone who took part in this event worked together to equally contribute to a meaningful and safe space and experience for those who have been silenced and forced to deal with their marginalization on their own. Together human trafficking can be stopped if we just continue to spread awareness and fight for that change.
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