How CEO Sophia A Strother Is The New Face Of Advocacy For BIPOC Communities
“COVID-19, like human trafficking, can happen to anyone. But they are a lot more likely to happen to people who are already facing other hardships — like poverty, for one,” reports the Polaris Project. The hidden obstacles in the fight against COVID and human trafficking are more apparent in BIPOC communities that are already facing disparities such as poverty, housing and more. Anyone can become a victim. Survivors such as Sophia A. Strother have seen the horrendous challenges associated with assault, abuse and healthcare. She is leading the efforts of change to create positive outcomes for those within her immediate community and across the globe.
What inspired the creation of your organization known as Empowerment Driven by Knowledge Coalition (EDKC)?
Empowerment Driven by Knowledge Coalition (EDKC) was formed in 2008 to focus on amplifying my message of the #GETLOUDGETOUT mantra surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault. I wanted to utilize my gift to market, coordinate events, and network to partner with various community organizations to bolster their voice and imprint to make an impact. View the mission and vision here.
What’s the motivation behind the hashtags #GETLOUDGETOUT and #CHANGINGIMAGESSAVESLIVES?
When I was 9 years old my relative started to sexually abuse me while my mother was a work overnight. This carried on for two years and throughout that time he taught me to be quiet and never talk about our relationship. He taught me if men ever become mad at me or leave me it would be my fault. So as I grew up and experienced abuse I never spoke about it and always blamed myself. It wasn’t until my early 30’s that I started to realize I needed to GET LOUD {talk to anyone} and GET OUT {leave in a safe way} from my toxic relationships. Ever since then that’s been the mantra that I share with others. You may not have a large circle because your abuser has ostracized you however it doesn’t have to be family or a friend that can help. There are so many people out there that want to see you live and thrive in life.
The hashtag #ChangingImagesSavesLives was birthed out of the pain of injustice for Trayvon Martin in 2013. I notice the primary fight was against other races and their mistreatment of the black community. However little light was shed on how we treat each other within the black community. As a result I formed ‘Black Men Standing’ to promote a positive and healthy image of African Americans which is the fundamental role we play in American society and history. If we begin to value one another working together we will be more effective in the fight against the devaluation that we endure by others.
Describe your knowledge of human trafficking and your work to help promote awareness and prevention.
I’m a survivor of familial human trafficking. This is where a family member or close family friend traffics you. In my case, my mother succumbed to crack addiction pretty starkly after my father passed away in a horrific car accident at the age of 39. I became ‘currency’ for my mother to secure drugs and pay bills. When this abuse was happening I didn’t realize it was human trafficking as there weren’t billboards, commercials or support networks that were visible. It wasn’t until my early thirties that I truly recognized what I’d been a victim of. Ever since then I wanted to make it my mission to be seen and heard in this space. There are so many women of color that suffer in silence or are invisible in plain sight. According to the FBI, African American children comprise 59 percent of all prostitution arrests. Mind you, a child cannot be a ‘prostitute’ as they are not legally able to give consent to being rapped over and over again. In a two-year review of all suspected human trafficking incidents, 40 percent of sex trafficking victims were African-American. My personal mission is to hopefully be an inspiration that not only can you survive but you can thrive. I’m currently facilitating a statewide Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Council through the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. I’m featured in The Bullock Texas State History Museum, in the NOT ALONE exhibit that educates about human trafficking and gives them a sense of hope and empowerment in combating the issue.
We see similar disparities in COVID treatment. How can COVID awareness influence communities of color? How can prevention influence communities of color?
I understand being hesitant, given our history with the medical and scientific community. They habitually misuse our trust and take advantage of our disparities. However, I’ve seen the effects of COVID-19 within my family first hand so whatever steps I can take to add another layer of protection for them and me; I’m willing to do. We take risks daily to protect our families, ie: allowing our children to get annual vaccines, taking the flu shot or taking medications that can have serious adverse reactions. Our faith isn’t solely in the medicines or the vaccinations, our faith is in the assurance we are taking all necessary precautions based on the information available at the time to protect our loved ones.
What inspired you to open your own COVID clinic and vaccination site?
Advocating for transparency, facts, and accountability it is essential for the black community when it comes to the medical field. In a country where life and death are in the hands of those that built communities to fail by eliminating access to hospitals, highways, grocery stores and banks; we must advocate for ourselves. Launching Meraki Medical Associates is my small part in that quest to eliminate barriers that lead to our health disparities. As the US starts to relax mask mandates and social distancing it doesn’t mean people have stopped contracting and dying from the disease. Getting vaccinated is a small act of faith in protecting those you love, including yourself.
Sophia A. Strother is using her faith to manifest greatness for not only herself but her community. She is a change agent. She is a curator for the BIPOC community. She is using mustard seed faith to be a vessel in the protection, prevention and advocacy of those in underserved populations. Many talk a great deal but Sophia incites action with her advocacy. Her work has done wonders and will continue to create a lasting legacy in the imprint of our society. Connect with Sophia A. Strother online, Facebook and also on Instagram.
Writer, Chaundra Scott, is an MSW, Mompreneur, author, freelance writer and early literacy advocate. Follow her on Clubhouse and Instagram as @curls_coils; @beautifulshadeslc and @words_winefestmd.