Biography:
Vednita Carter is an American anti-sex trafficking activist, author, and executive director of the Breaking Free organization, which helps women escape prostitution. Born and raised in Twin Cities, Minnesota, Carter grew up in a community that struggled with poverty and inequality.
Unable to afford college, Carter faced limited opportunities and was led down a challenging path. In her search for a way to support herself, she responded to an ad looking for dancers, only to discover it was actually seeking strippers. In this industry, Carter witnessed many women eventually transitioning into prostitution, which she recognized as a dangerous cycle. Determined to find a way out for herself and others, Carter worked in the industry for a year before finally escaping its clutches.
In 1989, Carter began her journey to help women in prostitution by joining a different agency in Minnesota. When that agency closed, she became the program director, allowing her to dig deeper into understanding the issues and challenges faced by these women. It was during this time that Carter’s passion and dedication to combatting sex trafficking ignited.
In 1996, Carter founded Breaking Free, an organization focused on aiding girls and women in exiting prostitution. As the executive director, she steered the organization towards providing comprehensive support services. From emergency services like food, clothing, and shelter, to medical and legal assistance, Breaking Free offered a lifeline to victims of trafficking.
Over the years, Breaking Free expanded its reach, establishing permanent housing solutions for women and girls escaping prostitution. In 2015, they faced a setback when the housing block, named Jerry’s Place in honor of Sgt. Gerald Vick, was forced to close due to funding issues. However, this setback did not deter Carter and her organization from continuing their tireless efforts.
Carter’s contributions to combating sex trafficking have gained recognition and acknowledgment from various platforms. In the book Juvenile Justice: Advancing Research, Policy, and Practice, Francine Sherman and Francine Jacobs describe Carter as a leading service provider for exploited women and girls. Her expertise has also been sought after by publications such as Hastings Women’s Law Journal, the Michigan Journal of Gender and Law, and the Journal of Trauma Practice.
Beyond her organization, Carter has been a vocal advocate for change. In 1996, she established a John School to educate men arrested for solicitation about the harmful effects of their actions. By targeting the demand side of the issue, Carter believes she can create lasting change and reduce the prevalence of sex trafficking.
Awards:
– 2010 Survivor Centered-Service Provider category from the Norma Hotaling Award
– Women of Distinction award from Century College in 2012
– Path Breaker Award from Shared Hope International in 2014
– CNN Hero recognition in 2014
Vednita Carter’s unwavering dedication to helping women escape prostitution and her groundbreaking contributions to the anti-sex trafficking movement have made her an inspirational figure in women’s history. Through her organization, Breaking Free, she has provided invaluable support and resources, empowering countless survivors and bringing attention to the urgent need for systemic change. Carter’s tireless activism has garnered recognition and admiration, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the fight against sex trafficking.