Join the Southwest Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Month, and Victim Rights Month as we welcome nationally-known author, speaker, and sex trafficking survivor Leslie King-Friday.

Leslie King-Friday was trafficked at the age of 15 for over 20 years in Grand Rapids Michigan. On July 4th, 2000 Leslie’s life was changed forever. Through sincerity of her heart and an answer from God, Leslie was given a new lease on life and set to starting her life’s work. In 2005, Leslie utilized her experience, expertise, and inspiring example of a renewed lifestyle to open Sacred Beginnings, a safe haven that offers hope, and healing to trafficking victims. Leslie consults with law enforcement agencies, human service professionals, clergy, and others requesting direction and understanding in working with prostituted individuals. She also speaks at various conferences and academic institutions on the issue of human trafficking. Her awards and recognitions include: 2005 Grand Rapids, Woman of the Year nominee, 2008 YWCA Advocate of the Year, 2011 Rising Hero Award, 2014 “50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan”, 2018 Michigan Liberator Award, 2019 Grand Rapids Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club Certificate of Achievement, 2021 African American Leadership Award, 2021 BBB Trust Award. She recently published a book titled “When Angels Fight” that she will also reference during the presentation (more info about the book below).

Leslie will give us a deeper understanding of Human Trafficking and help us think about what it looks like for us as a community to help prevent trafficking from happening and to support survivors. After the evening event, we will have a panel of professionals who will answer questions related to how we are addressing trafficking specifically in our area. We are thankful to have Brook Thomas, Forensic Interviewer at the Children’s Advocacy Center; Allie Kibler-Campbell, Prevention Specialist at the Children’s Advocacy Center; Jane Wainwright, Asst. Prosecuting Attorney at the Prosecutors Office; Carolyn Groen, Victim’s Advocate at the Prosecutor’s Officer; Alyssa Pliml, SANE nurse at Spectrum Health Lakeland; Rachel Struble, therapist at The Cora Lamping Center and D/Lt. Greg Sanders with the Berrien County Police Department.

The long-anticipated biography of Leslie’s story is now available. “When Angels Fight” is a recount of how Leslie became a victim and through her life in prostitution became a survivor. “When Angels Fight” not only recounts Leslie’s story, but it gives readers an opportunity to get involved with local agencies to help fight against human trafficking and educate themselves and others.

You can find “When Angels Fight” online and in stores at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Schuler’s Bookstore.

*Please inquire about purchasing a copy as they may be available after speaking engagements*

You will have 2 opportunities to join for this event on Friday, April 22:

2:00pm (note there will not be a panel following this event)

Southwestern Michigan College

Student Activity Center Theatre

58900 Cherry Grove Rd, Dowagiac, MI 49047

6:30pm

Lake Michigan College

Todd Center Conference Room

2785 E Napier Ave

Benton Harbor, MI 49022

A big thank you to our sponsor Stevensville Honor Credit Union!