On September 28, 2024, I had the honor of participating in a panel that included MN State Senator Clare Oumou Verbeten and MN House Representative Cedrick Frazier. This event took place in North Minneapolis, Minnesota, marking the kickoff of the End Slavery in Minnesota Campaign, Part 4.
One of the most impactful moments of the event was hearing from Fellicia Smith, a formerly incarcerated and enslaved person in Federal prison. Fellicia bravely shared her harrowing story of forced labor and inhumane conditions, painting a vivid picture of what it means to be a modern-day slave in Minnesota in 2024. Her testimony is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address and end these injustices.
We must pay close attention to Fellicia’s story and stand in solidarity with her and all the other incarcerated individuals in Minnesota—and across the country—who are subjected to slave labor in prison. Their voices and experiences are crucial in our fight to end this form of modern-day slavery.
Join us in the movement to End Slavery in Minnesota. Together, we can make a difference.