January is designated as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and one survivor is using her artistic talents to shed light on this pressing issue. Monica Perkins, a 39-year-old woman from Tucson, Arizona, draws from her harrowing experience of surviving eight years of human trafficking to inspire others. Her journey is highlighted in an art exhibit titled “Every Step Has a Story – How We Got In, How We Got Out, Who We Are Now,” where she shares her story through a powerful poem called “Against All the Odds.”
Perkins’s ordeal began at the age of 17 when she fled an abusive relationship while pregnant. Her escape led her down a dark path filled with predators across multiple states. Reflecting on her early experiences, Perkins recounts meeting her first predator in a group home in San Francisco, California. “He took me around and showed me some of his houses. He had a nice car, he told me he was a rap producer,” she explained. The allure of his lifestyle captivated her, leading to a life of torment.
After giving birth to her son, Dondre Cannon, Perkins’s life took an even more devastating turn. When her son was just four months old, he was taken from her, and she was coerced into prostitution. “I was handed a purse by one of his women, full of rubber gloves, condoms, and lube, and told what I was going to be doing and how much,” Perkins recalled. This marked the beginning of a traumatic chapter characterized by complete isolation, abuse, and the painful absence of her son.
Perkins’s experiences were marked by psychological manipulation and physical control. She was stripped of her autonomy, with her cell phone taken away and her family described as nonexistent. “That was my new life,” she stated, reflecting on how her identity was forcibly altered. Despite these challenges, her determination to reunite with her son fueled her eventual escape at the age of 25.
Now, Perkins confronts her past through poetry, emphasizing the resilience of survivors. “As survivors, it’s up to us to unite and fight for what’s right,” she reads. Her intention is to inspire those still trapped in similar situations, demonstrating that healing is possible. “I feel like everybody comes with a different story, and I just know that there’s no reason I had to go through all that if I can’t use it to help somebody else,” she added.
Perkins urges others to speak up when they witness wrongdoing. “There are so many people that could have stepped in and saved my life,” she lamented, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and intervention in preventing trafficking.
Curating the exhibit, Angela Marie, who is also a survivor, believes it is vital to provide a platform for victims to reclaim their voices. “To see survivors step out confidently and share who they are, not what they’ve been through, is incredibly empowering,” Marie said. Her goal is to foster a supportive environment for those who have faced similar challenges.
Perkins, along with her now 21-year-old son Dondre and 15-year-old daughter Arianna, collaborates with organizations like Southern Arizona Against Slavery (SAAS) to aid in recovery and empowerment. Norma Darnell, the president of SAAS, emphasizes the organization’s mission to mentor survivors of sexual exploitation and human trafficking. “I want to extend the invitation that we are a safe place and that we will love you wherever you’re at in your journey,” Darnell said, highlighting the importance of trust and support in recovery.
The art exhibit is located at the 7 Legged Spider Gallery inside the Steinfeld Warehouse at 101 W. 6th St. in Downtown Tucson. It will be open throughout January on Saturdays from 13:00 to 16:00 and by special appointment. Those interested can contact Angela Marie on Instagram at @angela_marie_arts for more information.
In addition to the exhibit, a Human Trafficking Awareness Walk is scheduled for January 19 at 09:00. The walk will commence at the northwest corner of Reid Park, providing another opportunity for the community to engage in this important cause.
