Far from Over: Cyntoia Brown‘s Commitment to Fighting Sex Trafficking

Inside the historic Riverside Church, a packed audience settles into their seats, eagerly awaiting the guest of honor. A hush falls over the room as, to the right, Cyntoia Brown-Long climbs the steps up to the stage. Even when she has taken her place the house lights remain lit, allowing Cyntoia to look out over the crowd. The audience, most of whom are young women, looks right back.

Each person holds a signed copy of Free Cyntoia: My Search for Redemption in the American Prison System. The book details Cyntoia Brown’s life, from her time as a young girl to her long-awaited release from prison. Her story, one that has captured the public’s heart, is far too familiar for those acquainted with sex trafficking.

Cyntoia Brown was just sixteen years old when she was given a life sentence for shooting a man who bought her for sex. Young and impressionable, Brown was forced into prostitution by the man she considered to be her boyfriend. She now recognizes him as her trafficker. While in prison, Cyntoia was a source of guidance and strength for other inmates. Impassioned by her own experiences, she started the GLITTER (Grassroots Learning Initiative on Teen Trafficking, Exploitation and Rape) Project. Since her release, she hopes to continue her work advocating for victims of sexual violence.

In the warm light of the church, a free Cyntoia now addresses the crowd. Whether the effect of the space or Brown herself, the atmosphere in the room is almost religious. Handwaving and “Amen!” punctuate her every sentence; the audience is in communion with Cyntoia. Their adoration is a testament to all that Brown represents. Those who have come to see her today are activists, educators, and fellow survivors of sexual violence. For them, Cyntoia is a symbol of strength and the voice they never had. When asked what she wants her audience to take away from her book, Cyntoia replies, “That it happened. That I got through it, and I survived.”

Cyntoia Brown-Long has been committed to helping survivors of sex trafficking throughout her incarceration and emancipation. Her release marks an important shift in recognizing sexually exploited children  not as criminals, but as survivors of sex trafficking. However, the sexual exploitation of children remains an unaddressed concern across the world. The ILO estimates that over 1 million children are sexually exploited each year, but the elusive nature of the trade prevents us from gauging the issue’s full scope. The rise of the internet has only put youths in further danger, as trafficking increasingly moves onto social media platforms.

We hope that cases like Cyntoia’s continue to inspire activism and justice. Far from over, Cyntoia Brown’s dedication to fighting sex trafficking shows her story is only just beginning.