NNPA Foundation Executive Director Addresses Child Sex Trafficking

Kimberly Johnson, the executive director of the NNPA Foundation, said that the group is in a unique position to address human trafficking by raising awareness utilizing the groups media products. (NNPAF)

WASHINGTON, DC (November 7, 2015) – The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Foundation recently announced plans to help victims of human trafficking.

During the D.C. Mental Health Counselor’s Association Fall Conference held at Gallaudet University, Kimberly Johnson, the executive director of the NNPA Foundation, gave a sneak preview of the group’s new initiative.

“The NNPA Foundation is in a unique position to address this issue, in that we can generate education and awareness by utilizing our own media products,” Johnson said.

Johnson, a 15-year advocate on the issue, discussed the local and national impact of commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) and debunked some of the myths and stereotypes believed about children in the sex trade.

Years before her term at the NNPA Foundation, Johnson conducted speaking and training events all over Georgia, working with organizations like Street GRACE, Not For Sale, youthSpark, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and local and national law enforcement. Johnson also served on the U.S. Attorney’s Task Force, the D.C. Superior Court’s CSEC Committee and is an award-winning producer of the docufilm, Sex Trafficking in Atlanta: A Survivor’s Perspective.

“The issue of human trafficking, particularly child sex trafficking, is fueled by salacious images in media”, Johnson said. “We have a responsibility to counter the effects of those images through our own content and resources. We are looking to partner with other organizations in this effort.”

The NNPA Foundation has plans to host a series of human trafficking town hall meetings in 2016. Other new initiatives scheduled for launch include programs on STEM/STEAM, Big Data, public affairs and international journalism. To support the NNPA Foundation, visit nnpafoundation.org and click donate.

For more than 20 years, the National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation has supported NNPA member publishers through strategic partnerships, professional development and access to resources. The Foundation’s mission is to exemplify and advance the highest standards in media by influencing education, technology, health & wellness, economic empowerment and cultural & civic engagement.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association is the trade association for the more than 200 African American-owned community newspapers across the United States, delivering news, information and commentary to more than 20 million people each week. Since its founding 75 years ago, NNPA has consistently been the voice of the black community by reporting news that makes history and impacts our country.