Sparrow Freedom Project, MAP, and many other anti-trafficking organizations have recently received a number of calls and emails regarding the movie "Sound of Freedom." The calls center around questions about human trafficking and/or how they can help in combatting human trafficking. The movie depicts human trafficking from one perspective experienced internationally, which is different from what is typically experienced domestically in the United States.
Join Sparrow Freedom Project (SFP) and Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) in an expert panel discussion on the actual facts around human trafficking in Michigan: what it is; myths & misconceptions; how to protect oneself & loved ones; what is happening locally; what resources are available; and what one can do to help combat human trafficking.
Resource Tables & Light Refreshments
6:15pm - 8:30pm
Panel Discussion
6:30pm - 8:00pm
(with last 15 minutes for Q&A)
This event is free and registration is not required to attend; however, we request it to ensure we do not exceed room capacity.
Donations are always welcomed and appreciated.
Space is limited. Register today and secure your spot.
Reporter, Channel 7 WXYZ
Moderator
Darren Cunningham joined 7 Actions News in April 2020. He says he’s glad to be reporting the news in his hometown and connecting with people. Cunningham is a native Detroiter, born and raised on the city’s east side.
Prior to joining WXYZ, he worked in Grand Rapids at FOX 17 as a reporter for nearly 9 years. There, he was known as the FOX 17 Problem Solver and helped people who felt they had nowhere else to turn. Cunningham's work has led to a change in state law and the recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars for everyday people. His work has also been nominated for two Emmys. He also worked at a news station in Lansing, with experience on both sides of the camera.
While Cunningham remains impartial in his reporting, he makes sure to root for the Michigan Wolverines when they’re competing. After all, he is an alum of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Before that, he graduated from Detroit Renaissance High School.
Human Trafficking Specialist & Sparrow Freedom Project (SFP) Board Trustee
Panelist
After overcoming her own trauma, Chrissy has spent nearly a decade, in her relentless pursuit to eradicate human trafficking. Prior to this, she spent more than four years serving children of all ages in some of the most violent areas of Detroit. Chrissy has worked alongside countless non-profits and law enforcement agencies including the Detroit Police Department, Michigan State Police, and the FBI.
Through her strategic leadership skills, she has implemented international outreach and victim protection/extraction in five different states. Chrissy’s voice has been heard around the country, as she has strived to educate communities and share her strength with others.
She has been published in the Detroit News and interviewed by multiple television and radio stations, as a subject matter expert.
Deputy Assistant Director - Office of Partnership and Engagement from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Panelist
Valentina Seeley is currently the acting Deputy Assistant Director at the DHS/HSI -Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE) and OPE North Region Director responsible for stakeholder engagement, education, community messaging, community relations, and management of the Victims Engagement and Services line/assistance. She directly handles and supports local engagement activities for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and other local components.
Mrs. Seeley has over 25 years of combined legal, program management/HR, communications, and community relations experience. She began her legal career in 1999 in the Metro-Detroit area as an Immigration Attorney gradually expanding her focus to General Practice including family law, estate planning, and general civil litigation. She joined the federal government in 2009. She was employed with U.S. Department of State as an Adjudication Program Manager directing and managing the agency’s local adjudication passport program and agency staff in Detroit, Michigan.
In 2016 she joined the DHS/HIS - Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE). Since joining OPE, Mrs. Seeley has participated in hundreds of community/stakeholder engagements, panel discussions, and specialized trainings supporting local and HQ programs/policies on a variety of topics including human trafficking, cyber safety, community/police relations, victim assistance services and support, immigration priorities/policies, and numerous other law enforcement related priorities.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan - Dearborn with a double major in Political Science and Hispanic Studies & Spanish and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Detroit Mercy College of Law.
Special Agent - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Panelist
Special Agent Sarah Pettey has worked for the United States Government for over 20 years. She started her career with the U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office, and assigned to the Electronic Crimes Task Force, and then the Protective Intelligence Squad. Special Agent Pettey transferred to Homeland Security Investigations Detroit Field Office, assigned to the Financial Group and now DHS Alliance Task Force, the human trafficking and smuggling group.
Commanding Officer of Major Crimes - Detroit Police Department
Panelist
Commander Kimberly M. Blackwell, a 28 year veteran of The Detroit Police Department, is currently the Commanding Officer of Major Crimes.
Blackwell is a proven leader! During her tenure, she has worked at the following Bureaus/Precincts/Units: 8th Precinct, Recruiting Unit, Executive Protection Unit, 12th Precinct, Internal Affairs Unit, Criminal Investigations Bureau, Detective Bureau, Support Services Bureau, City Council Executive Protection Unit, Chief’s Neighborhood Liaison Unit, Tactical Operations Unit, 11th Precinct, Special Victims Unit, and the 10th Precinct.
Born, raised, and educated in the city of Detroit, Commander Blackwell is a proud graduate of, as she refers to it, “The Cass Technical High School.” She furthered her education earning a Bachelor of Business Administration, and a Master of Business Leadership from Cleary University, with Summa Cum Laude honors.
Giving back to the community she grew up in is important to Blackwell that’s why she spends countless hours meeting with organized neighborhood groups which includes seniors, crime victims, the mental health community and our city’s youth. She also address quality of life issues, and educates teens on “How to Survive the Stop” -- encountering law enforcement while driving.
At the end of a long day, once she hangs up her uniform she becomes just “Kim,” a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a trusted friend. She loves fashion, food and most of all she is a child of God.
Kim is the proud mother of 16 year-old twin boys, she has a twin sister, two other siblings and is the daughter of former Detroit Police Chief Chester Logan.
Those that know her well all have the same comments as it pertains to Kim’s character, “she is so nice,” she is so real,” she has never changed,” “she’s hilarious,” “she will do anything for you,” “she’s intelligent” and “she’s so much more than a pretty face.” Kim makes everyone feel as if she’s their best friend.
Speaker, Writer and Founder of "The Dark Side of the Web" Seminars
Panelist
Kevin is the founder of “The Dark Side of the Web” seminars and has been educating parents across the country on how to protect their children from Internet dangers for nearly 20 years. He is a speaker, writer, and Internet researcher. Kevin speaks at conferences, churches, public and private schools and tackles topics such as the dangers of porn, sexting, and cyberbullying. He has also shared his passion on how to keep kids safe online on numerous radio programs. His articles on Internet safety can be found on websites such as XXXChurch.com and EveryMansBattle.com.
Kevin lives in Michigan with his wife and their 3 children.
Hampton Inn Detroit Southfield
26080 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI, 48076
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