"The Eyes of Nina" by Dawn Hunt

The "Eyes of Nina" gives us a glimpse into the relationship between racism and human trafficking as well as celebrating and harnessing the fierce spirit and brilliant work of civil rights activist, singer, songwriter, Nina Simone. According to the UCLA Law Review article, "The Racial Roots of Human Trafficking, " by Cheryl Nelson Butler, "Race intersects with other forms of subordination including gender, class, and age to push people of color disproportionately into prostitution and keeps them trapped in the commercial sex industry?. Moreover, today's anti-trafficking movement has failed to understand and address the racial contours of domestic sex trafficking in the United States and even perpetuates the racial myths that undermine the proper identification of the minority youth as sex trafficking victims."

Nina Simone (1933-2003) was one of the voices of the civil rights movement. I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free served as one of the anthems during this tumultuous, powerful time. She used her remarkable talent to create a legacy of liberation, empowerment, passion, and love through a magnificent body of works. Mississippi Goddam, Four Women, Young Gifted and Black, and Backlash Blues, are a few of her songs that also rang out and loop around the powerful portraits on "The Eyes of Nina". May the spirit of Nina Simone give power to Project GOAT and help end human trafficking.