On August 24, 2023, HTI welcomed the incoming 2023-2024 class of Frederick Douglass Fellows with an orientation in Washington, D.C. Inspired by Frederick Douglass’s commitment to freedom, education, and advocacy, HTI’s Douglass Fellows represent the next generation of anti-trafficking leaders. This year’s Fellows were selected based on their demonstrated academic ability, leadership potential, research and writing skills, and commitment to human rights and anti-trafficking efforts.
The 2023-2024 fellowship class includes:
- Alyssa Achiron, Emory University School of Law
- Alyssa Markheim, University of South Carolina School of Law
- Caitlin Parets, William & Mary Law School
- Jenny Bloodworth, Baylor Law School
During the two-day orientation hosted at the offices of Hance Scarborough, LLP. in Washington D.C, Fellows heard from HTI’s CEO, Victor Boutros on the impact and vision of HTI, and spoke virtually with HTI’s embedded experts from Belize, Uganda, and South Africa.
Following a morning discussion of HTI’s work, the Fellows met with Kenneth B. Morris, the co-founder and president of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives and the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass and the great-great grandson of Booker T. Washington. Mr. Morris led Fellows in an engaging and inspiring discussion of the historical significance of his ancestors’ efforts that contributed to the abolition of slavery, and discussed the similarities of the current anti-trafficking movement to end modern slavery. The orientation concluded with a private tour and lecture at the National Portrait Gallery’s current exhibition of “One Life: Frederick Douglass”.
Throughout the fellowship, the Fellows will participate in a number of projects, including research and writing for HTI’s domestic and international programs, developing advocacy events and resources, hosting the HTI Trafficking Matter’s Podcast, and assisting HTI attorneys in various capacities including data collection and analysis in the annual Federal Human Trafficking Report. To read more about the Douglass Fellowship here.
