Events to bring attention to fight against human trafficking
Health and Wellness General Student Life

Art exhibition, discussions, film screening among scheduled events

  • MSU Texas Public Information
  • 23 January 2024
Health and Wellness General Student Life

Events to bring attention to fight against human trafficking

  • MSU Texas Public Information
  • 23 January 2024
  • 1 min read

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and activities at Midwestern State University in conjunction with Austin’s Bullock Museum will serve to raise awareness about the issue.

Ceramics by artist Sana Musasama are on display in the Juanita Harvey Art Gallery. Musasama, an African American ceramic and mixed-media artist based in New York City, intertwines her artistic practice with a deep commitment to education and human rights causes, notably focusing on the plight of women subjected to human trafficking. Her artistic journey extends across diverse landscapes, including studies at institutions like the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana; the Gakium Designer College in Tokyo, Japan; the Tuscarora International School of Ceramics in Tuscarora, Nevada; and Mende Pottery in Mendeland, Sierra Leone.

In conjunction with Musasama’s exhibition, on display in the Fain Fine Arts Foyer Gallery is “Not Alone: Working Together in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” This exhibition is presented by the MSU Texas Social Work Department and the Juanita & Ralph Harvey School of Visual Arts. “Not Alone” is geared toward teen and adult audiences and provides visitors with the tools to identify trafficking and the resources to find help and support survivors.

These exhibitions will be on display through Friday, Feb. 16. A closing reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Fain Fine Arts Building. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Groups of 10 or more need to call ahead to schedule a visit.

Poster with blue background and bold gold letters saying NOT and then in dark blue letters ALONE. In white smaller letters, "Working Together in the Fight Against Human Trafficking" Logos at top from Gunn College and Juanita & Ralph Harvey School of Visual Arts

Schedule of events

6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24

Social Workers Acting Together and Phi Alpha will present the film Sound of Freedom in Legacy Hall’s Multipurpose Room. Sound of Freedom is the true story of a former government agent turned vigilante who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue hundreds of children from traffickers.

3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31

The Redwine Honors Program presents Human Trafficking Red Talk in Legacy Hall’s Multipurpose Room.

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15

Lamar D. Fain College of Fine Arts presents Musasama in a keynote address. Following Musasama’s talk, the Office of Title IX and VIP Peer Educators will present information about Take Back the Night, a movement to end all forms of sexual violence.

For more information about scheduled MSU Texas events, contact Social Work Department Chair Catherine Earley by email or call 940-397-4319.

More about “Not Alone: Working Together in the Fight Against Human Trafficking:”

Texas plays a leading role nationally in working against trafficking, with multiple task forces based in the governor’s office, as well as statewide legislation working to decriminalize survivors of trafficking and make it easier for them to report without fear of punishment.

Although underreported, recent statistics suggest there are hundreds of thousands of people being trafficked in Texas at any given time. “Not Alone” hopes to spotlight this issue and what individuals can do in small everyday actions to make a difference.

The exhibition uses five guiding questions to help visitors understand the issue and how they can help:

What is human trafficking?

Who does trafficking affect?

Why are healthy relationships important?

What role does social media play?

What can I do?

The Bullock Museum worked with an advisory group of foundations, state agency task groups, and survivors in developing exhibition content. While there is no graphic content, the exhibition contains definitions of sex trafficking and references to emotional, physical and sexual abuse that may be triggering for some visitors. Resources are provided within the exhibition.

If you need help or suspect human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. You can also text “Help” or “Info” to 233733 or email Report@PolarisProject.org.

About the Bullock Museum

The Bullock Texas State History Museum, a division of the State Preservation Board and an accredited institution of the American Alliance of Museums, illuminates and celebrates Texas history, people, and culture. With dynamic, award-winning exhibitions, educational programming for all ages, and an IMAX® theater with the largest screen in Texas, the Museum collaborates with more than 700 museums, libraries, archives and individuals across the world to bring the Story of Texas to life. For more information, visit www.TheStoryofTexas.com or call 866-369-7108. The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a division of the State Preservation Board. Additional support of exhibitions and programs is provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.

“Not Alone: Working Together in the Fight Against Human Trafficking” is produced by the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Lead Sponsorship by Nancy Ann and Ray L. Hunt. Major funding from the Texas Bar Foundation. Major support provided by the Texas Trucking Association. Special thanks to Scopelitis, Garvin, Light, Hanson & Feary P.C. and Mondics Insurance Group, Inc. The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a division of the State Preservation Board. Additional support of exhibitions and programs is provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.