Am I My Sister's Keeper? Human Trafficking Awareness in the African American Evangelical Community of Columbia, South Carolina

Abstract

Surveys were conducted to affirm or negate the validity of assumptions about awareness levels among the African American evangelical community in Columbia SC. The question of whether the African American evangelical community in Columbia had awareness levels sufficient enough to be regarded as a capable guardian as recognized by Ekblom and Tilley and Cohen and Felton’s Routine Activity Theory and Situational Crime Prevention Theories respectively. The hypothesis that the population was uniformed or misinformed was proven to be wrong. Empirical evidence was provided by a twenty two question survey that showed a preponderance if factual knowledge about fundamental accurate choices in the administered surveys. 410 surveys were completed and represented more than 100 diverse congregations. Five direct contact congregations, two conferences a men’s breakfast and community luncheons and other various public venues provided access to participants. Questions were asked in five categories. 1.Perceived knowledge of human trafficking. 2.Personal responsibility 3.Faith as a factor 4.Church involvement in human trafficking awareness 5.Vulnerable populations within the respondent’s community. The analysis demonstrates higher than average levels of knowledge which may be attributed to local awareness campaigns, discussion among peers and relatives and media outlets. Given the historical impact of the African American church’s ability to disseminate information and impact social justice, it is believed that further awareness prevention and education would provide the ability for the church to be a valued stakeholder in future awareness campaigns.