Born: 1988 (The Bronx, New York City)
Biography:
Sheila White, an African-American anti-sex trafficking activist, was born in 1988 in The Bronx, New York City. Her life story is one of resilience, overcoming immense challenges, and dedicating herself to raising awareness about the issue of human trafficking.
White’s early years were marked by turmoil and instability. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, she faced numerous difficulties. During her teen years, she was placed in foster care, which unfortunately became another source of trauma for her. It was during this time that she experienced the horrific ordeal of sexual assault, which ultimately led to a suicide attempt. As a result, she was transferred to a psychiatric hospital.
At the age of 15, White found herself living in a group home, where she fell victim to the manipulation and abuse of a pimp. She was forced into prostitution, a life she never chose for herself. As a prostitute, she endured physical and sexual violence, and even endured branding with irons, leaving her physically and emotionally scarred.
In 2003, White suffered another brutal attack near the Port Authority Bus Terminal, where she was left battered without anyone offering her help. Despite the unimaginable hardships she faced, White was determined to escape the life of exploitation and make a difference for other victims of sex trafficking.
After managing to break free from her trafficker’s control, White embarked on a mission to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking. She joined Girls Educational and Mentoring Services, an organization in New York dedicated to empowering and supporting survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. Through her work, she tirelessly fought to shed light on the dark and highly profitable industry of sex trafficking.
White’s efforts did not go unnoticed. In recognition of her dedication, President Barack Obama personally honored her with an award at the Clinton Global Initiative. This acknowledgement served as a testament to her resilience and the impact of her advocacy work.
Her powerful story also reached a wider audience through the documentary film Not My Life, in which she courageously shared her experiences as a survivor of trafficking. In the film, White articulated the dehumanizing effects of being trapped in the horrors of exploitation, stating, There is a point where you begin to feel numb. You really feel like you’re not even a person. Her participation in the film further highlighted the urgent need to address this global crisis.
In 2013, White became a speaker at the Disrupting Slavery Symposium, organized by the Somaly Mam Foundation. This symposium marked an important milestone in her journey as she advocated for survivor-led initiatives and the crucial support survivors need to become leaders in the anti-human trafficking field.
Despite the immense hardships she has faced, White remains determined to make a positive impact on society. Alongside her advocacy work, she is also a dedicated mother of three and is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in social work at Bronx Community College. Through her studies, she hopes to further contribute to the fight against human trafficking and provide support to survivors on their path to healing.
Sheila White’s incredible resilience and unwavering commitment to bringing attention to the issue of sex trafficking have made her an influential figure in the field. Her story stands as a testament to the power of one individual’s determination to spark change and create a better future for victims of exploitation.
Awards:
– Award received from President Barack Obama at the Clinton Global Initiative for her work in raising awareness about sex trafficking.