January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time for raising awareness about the pervasive issue of human trafficking. In Tucson, Arizona, survivor Monica Perkins is taking a stand by using her powerful voice and poetry to share her harrowing journey and advocate for change.
Perkins, now 39 years old, endured eight years of trafficking across multiple states, starting at the age of 17. Her experiences are showcased in an art exhibit titled “Every Step Has a Story – How We Got In, How We Got Out, Who We Are Now,” where she reads a poignant poem named “Against All the Odds.” The exhibit aims to shed light on the stories of survivors and the struggles they face even after escaping such traumatic circumstances.
Reflecting on her past, Perkins reveals that her journey into trafficking began when she attempted to flee an abusive relationship while pregnant. She met her first predator in a group home in San Francisco, California, where she was initially drawn in by his charm and the allure of his lifestyle. “The day that I met him, he took me around and showed me some of his houses. He had a nice car, he told me he was a rap producer,” Perkins explained, emphasizing her naivety at the time.
After the birth of her son, Dondre Cannon, Perkins’s life took a devastating turn. When Dondre was just four months old, he was taken from her, and she was coerced into prostitution. “I was handed a purse full of rubber gloves, condoms, and lube, and told what I was going to be doing for how much,” she recalled. Her time in trafficking was marked by physical and psychological abuse, leading to a complete isolation from her family and friends.
Despite the immense challenges, Perkins managed to escape at the age of 25, driven by the desire to reunite with her son. Now, she channels her pain into her poetry, stating, “As survivors, it’s up to us to unite and fight for what’s right. Stand tall and turn our pain into power.” She hopes her words will inspire others who are facing similar struggles, emphasizing that there is hope and healing available.
Perkins also urges the public to speak out against injustices they witness. “There are so many people that could have stepped in and saved my life,” she said, stressing the importance of intervention in such situations. Her message is clear: silence in the face of wrongdoing can have devastating consequences for victims.
The art exhibit, curated by fellow survivor Angela Marie, serves as a platform for victims to reclaim their voices after being silenced for so long. Marie believes in the importance of empowering survivors to share their stories, stating, “To see them stepping out confidently and sharing who they are, not what they are, is vital.”
In her ongoing journey, Perkins, alongside her children, Dondre and Arianna, collaborates with organizations like Southern Arizona Against Slavery (SAAS). The organization focuses on mentoring survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking, helping them rebuild their lives. Norma Darnell, SAAS President and a survivor herself, invites others to trust in their support, saying, “We are a safe place and that we will love you wherever you’re at in your journey.”
The art exhibit is on display at the 7 Legged Spider Gallery in the Steinfeld Warehouse, located at 101 W. 6th St. in downtown Tucson. It will remain open throughout January, available on Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and by special appointment. For further information, individuals can reach out to Angela Marie on Instagram at @angela_marie_arts.
Additionally, a Human Trafficking Awareness Walk is scheduled for January 19, 2024, at 9:00 a.m., starting at the northwest corner of Reid Park. This event aims to raise further awareness about the ongoing crisis of human trafficking and to support survivors in their journeys toward healing and empowerment.
