2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Forum

ATLANTA- Fulton County Vice Chair Khadijah Abdur-Rahman of the “Mighty District 6” is inviting the community to once again attend a forum dedicated to raising the awareness of human trafficking. The 2026 Human Trafficking Forum will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 29.

The Vice Chair and partners youthSpark and Fulton County Arts & Culture will come together at the Central Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303 to raise awareness of the issue.

The forum recognizes Human Trafficking Awareness Month and fosters dialogue on prevention, outreach, and survivor support. This year, we are highlighting youth perspectives, inviting young leaders to have an open dialogue on human trafficking, and featuring an art exhibition curated to raise awareness about human trafficking.

“The criminal industry known as Human Trafficking not only strips individuals of rights, but dignity,” said Vice Chair Abdur-Rahman. “Human traffickers prey on our most valuable citizens. This annual discussion is an opportunity to provide insight into this critical issue. We are excited to work with partners who are also committed to finding solutions to ending this form of exploitation and abuse.”

"Young people aren't just the future of this conversation—they're essential voices in it right now," says Jennifer Swain, Executive Director of youthSpark. "This fireside chat represents the kind of intergenerational dialogue that doesn't just inform policy—it transforms it. When we create spaces where youth can join forces with leaders like Commissioner Abdur-Rahman, we move beyond awareness into real action. Lasting change happens when those most impacted are heard, believed, and empowered to lead."

Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar industry which targets the most vulnerable citizens, including low-income individuals, runaway youth, and children in the foster care system, and subjects them to sex or labor exploitation. This month we encourage our community to learn what makes someone more vulnerable to exploitation- homelessness, poverty, history of drug use and previous trauma, among others.

Isolation – physical and/or emotional – is also a key method of control in most trafficking situations. Pay attention to people you interact with regularly or know – your customers, students, tenants, patients, co-workers, even your own children and family. Be aware of who is more vulnerable. Awareness and connection are critical tools to combat trafficking. Anyone can be trafficked.

Fulton County has long supported efforts to end sex trafficking and support those who have been affected by sex trafficking. In 2022, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners appropriated $500,000 toward community programs to fight human trafficking. The funding was provided to Wellspring Living to help victims of domestic sex trafficking and those at risk with specialized recovery services.

Residents can join the fight against human trafficking by reporting possible cases in Georgia’s 24-hour Human Trafficking Hotline at (866) 363-4842 for more details.

For more Fulton County news, sign up for the weekly e-newsletter #OneFulton at https://goo.gl/Nb1L84. You can also visit Fulton County’s website at www.fultoncountyga.gov or connect with Fulton County government on Twitter at @FultonInfo or Facebook at @fultoninfo.

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Nearby Parking

Nearby Parking

• 150 Carnegie Way Parking Garage - 150 Carnegie Way NW (323 feet NW)

• 100 Peachtree Parking Garage - 123 Fairlie St NW (336 feet W)

• Candler Building Parking Garage - 67 Park Place NE (377 feet SE)

• 90 Forsyth Street Parking Lot - 90 Forsyth St NW (378 feet SW)

Street parking is also avaible.

Thank you to our 2026 partners!

Info: • Guest check-in and registration
• Silent auction opens
• Art exhibit opens for viewing
• Light refreshments available
• Informal networking

Info: • Official Welcome
• Purpose and Intent Declaration
• Words from the 2026 Partners
• Fireside Chat - youthSpark
• Forum Closing Remarks

Info: • Guests circulate through gallery and social spaces
• Focused networking with key stakeholders and community partners
• Light refreshments continue

Info: • Official Welcome
• Purpose and Intent Declaration
• Words from the 2026 Partners
• Fireside Chat - youthSpark
• Forum Closing Remarks

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Host or Publisher Fulton County Commissioner, Khadijah Abdur-Rahman