Museum highlights struggle of human trafficking

Freedom is what our country is based on and yet is so often taken for granted. But for nearly 22 million people worldwide struggling as prisoners of human trafficking, freedom is out of reach. Florida is currently identified as one of the top three states receiving Human Trafficking victims.

To bring awareness to this problem the U.S. established Friday, Jan. 11 as a National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness.

To highlight this horrific issue and provide an artistic and educational forum on the problem, the Southwest Florida Museum of History will open the exhibit, "Freedom of Expression" on Friday, Jan. 11. It is being presented with the assistance of the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking, whose founder is Anna Rodriguez, a nationally recognized expert based in Bonita Springs.

The exhibit by Venezuelan artist Marialba Amengual is comprised of 25 acrylic paintings whose power and passion evoke the essence of freedom. Additionally, survivors of human trafficking will also display their paintings.

"If you can imagine, then you will be free," said Amengual. This sentiment is the reason she is now involved with the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Her stance isn't for or against anything, she is simply "pro-freedom," one of the most essential rights we can have as human beings.

In conjunction with this important exhibit, the museum will hold a free seminar on the subject of Human Trafficking on Jan. 23 at the museum at 7 p.m. with Rodriguez who has been at the forefront of educating the national public and assisting the victims.

Call 332-5955 for more information or visit: www.cityftmyers.com/museum