Not On My Watch, Inc. holds community art project to raise awareness for human trafficking

art
The Red Sand Street Art Installation sign on the wall of the 47th Precinct.
Photo by Jewel Webber
The Bronx-based organization Not On My Watch, Inc., dedicated to educating, equipping, engaging, and empowering women and girls to lead safe and successful lives, hosted a community event on Saturday, Jan. 18. Participants contributed to a special art project at the 47th Precinct, located at 4111 Laconia Ave.
Bronx County District Attorney Darcel D. Clark (center, left) and Not On My Watch, Inc. Executive Director Pamela Damon (center, right) with attendees of the Red Sand Street Art Installation. Photo by Jewel Webber

Known as the “Red Sand Project,” this artwork featured red sand poured into pavement cracks, symbolizing the millions of men, women, and children who slip through societal gaps and face exploitation through commercial sex or forced labor every day.

Deenah M. Miner (left) and Makenzie Ella Sterling (right) pouring red sand into the pavement cracks. Photo by Jewel Webber

The event offered attendees a chance to connect with one another, learn more about human trafficking, and take action against it. A resource table was available, providing information and support for community members, as well as accepting reports from residents regarding human trafficking concerns.

A table was available with resources for community members to be more aware and to even report things that they have seen. Photo by Jewel Webber

One Bronx resident, Trishana Jones, discussed how this event helped give her hope and strength. Jones said that she spent much of her youth in foster care and group homes before being kidnapped at 15 years of age and trafficked from the streets of New York. She eventually wound up in a coma at a children’s hospital in Texas. After awakening from her coma, Jones returned to New York, where she was placed in another group home.

Trishana Jones. Photo by Jewel Webber
Photo by Jewel Webber

Jones shared how she found closure despite her kidnapper still facing no legal consequences. She also described feeling as though a door had opened, allowing her to move forward in her life.

Bronx County District Attorney Darcel D. Clark was also on hand for this event.

Bronx County District Attorney Darcel D. Clark taking part in the event. Photo by Jewel Webber