January is recognized as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a pressing global issue. In Tucson, Arizona, survivor Monica Perkins is taking a unique approach to shine a light on this topic through poetry and art. At the survivors’ art exhibit titled “Every Step Has a Story – How We Got In, How We Got Out, Who We Are Now,” Perkins shares her harrowing journey of surviving eight years of human trafficking, beginning at the age of 17.
Perkins, now 39, recounts her experiences through a poignant poem called “Against All the Odds.” Her story began when she attempted to escape an abusive relationship while pregnant, which inadvertently led her into a world of exploitation. Reflecting on her past, she shared, “My brain was being rewired and reconditioned before I even knew myself.”
During her time in a group home in San Francisco, California, Perkins met her first predator. Enchanted by his promises of a glamorous lifestyle, she fell prey to a manipulative scheme that would change her life forever. “He took me around and showed me some of his houses. He had a nice car, and he told me he was a rap producer,” Perkins explained.
Tragically, after giving birth to her son, Dondre Cannon, everything spiraled downward. When Dondre was merely four months old, he was taken from her, and Perkins was forced 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,” she recalled.
Throughout her ordeal, Perkins endured severe isolation, control, and psychological abuse. The trauma she experienced continues to affect her today. “My cell phone was taken away, and I was told I was being monitored,” she stated. “That family didn’t exist anymore. This is my new life.”
Despite the overwhelming power held by her traffickers, Perkins managed to escape at the age of 25. Her priority was to reunite with her son, and that determination has driven her ever since. Now, she channels her experiences into her poetry, emphasizing the importance of resilience and healing.
“As survivors, it’s up to us to unite and fight for what’s right,” Perkins reads from her poem. “Stand tall and turn our pain into power.”
By sharing her story, Perkins aims to inspire other women, conveying that hope exists even in the darkest times. “I just know that there’s no reason I had to have gone through all that if I can’t use it to help somebody else,” she stated.
In her efforts to raise awareness, Perkins urges others to speak up when they witness injustice. “There are so many people that could have stepped in and saved my life,” she emphasized. “When you are shown over and over again that nobody’s going to step in… it becomes a problem.”
The exhibit curator, Angela Marie, who is also a survivor, shares Perkins’ vision of empowerment for victims. “Being able to walk with other survivors and see them begin to own their own lives again when so much agency had been taken before is crucial,” Marie said.
Together, Perkins, her now 21-year-old son Dondre, and her 15-year-old daughter Arianna are collaborating with organizations like Southern Arizona Against Slavery (SAAS). The nonprofit’s president, Norma Darnell, a fellow survivor, emphasizes the importance of mentoring and empowering those affected by sexual exploitation. “We are a safe place and that we will love you wherever you’re at in your journey,” she affirmed.
The art exhibit is located at the 7 Legged Spider Gallery within 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. For further details, interested individuals can reach out to Angela Marie on Instagram at @angela_marie_arts.
Additionally, a Human Trafficking Awareness Walk is scheduled for January 19, 2024, starting at 09:00 from the northwest corner of Reid Park, aiming to further educate the public on this critical issue.
Through her art and advocacy, Perkins is not only sharing her story but also fostering a community of support and resilience among survivors.
