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A major conference  launched a new global approach to combating modern slavery was hosted by the University of Hull on October 16, 2015. Anti-Slavery Usable Past brought together experts from around the world to the University of Hull’s Wilberforce Institute of Slavery and Emancipation (WISE) to discuss what lessons can be learned from history in tackling slavery today.

The day culminated in a public exhibition and film by anti-slavery activists Unchosen, followed by a panel discussion featuring Shamere McKenzie, a survivor of modern-day sex slavery in the USA. The conference and public event marked the launch of Anti-Slavery Usable Past – a five-year multi-disciplinary investigation funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). Led by the University of Hull with partners from the University of Nottingham and Queen’s University Belfast.

The Event was covered by the Yorkshire Post, Hull Daily Mail, BCC Television and BCC radio.

Click here to read the article written by the Yorkshire Post which features Shamere McKenzie 

Click here to read the article written by the Hull Daily Mail which features Shamere McKenzie 

Stacy Jewell Lewis’s Story

“You know, I don’t think words can describe exactly what it felt like, walking into the Kennedy Center,” Lewis said.

Yes, Stacy Lewis’ journey is now going to shine bright under the lights of the Kennedy Center stage. She says her story is her salvation.

“The purpose behind being where I am today is to show others that they can make it out that they can be free and they can move forward and they can have a destiny,” Lewis said.

Stacy Jewell Lewis is proud to announce that her play “7 Layers Captive” will be featured at THE KENNEDY CENTER in Washington, DC. October 10th, 2015 @7pm!
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE!!!!
http://www.7layerscaptive.com

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE!!!!

Click here to watch Real Faith TV segment on human trafficking where they feature Shamere’s story.

It may have taken Shamere McKenzie 13 years to complete her degree but she did it.  On May 8, 2015, Shamere graduated with her B.S. in Criminal Justice & Criminology from Loyola University Chicago.  This milestone was covered by CBS Chicago.  Click here to see Shamere walk across the stage.

Senator Schumer and Senator Leahy held a press conference on April 16th at the Nations Capital to address the JVTA controversy.

Human-trafficking victims attended the news conference, urging Republicans to drop the Hyde language. Stacy Jewell Lewis called the language — which includes exceptions for rape and incest — “insulting” to sex-trafficking victims.

“Are sex-trafficking victims not walking rape victims? Haven’t they already been humiliated enough? If they are identified as victims of sex trafficking, you know they have been raped. So this language is an insult to every victim of sex trafficking.”

Read Full Article

As part of commencement week, each year Loyola features graduates on their website highlighting the work they have done or is doing.  This year Shamere McKenzie was one of the featured graduates for Loyola University Chicago’s commencement week.  Read the story here

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Stacy Jewell Lewis launches #RightsOverPolitics campaign in response to the controversy surrounding the JVTA Human Trafficking Bill.