Hello I'm mayor Jacob Frye, we at the city of Minneapolis declared January to the human trafficking and exploitation Prevention Month, previously recognized nationally by President Barack Obama. The city of Minneapolis is deeply committed to the eradication of all forms of human trafficking and exploitation. A strong foundation for this critical work already exists. Our recently implemented minimum wage and sick and safe time. Ordinances are powerful tools to help us identify and combat labor trafficking. Our support and focus on affordable housing is also a critical piece of the puzzle, but we need to do more.

We all must continue a public conversation about root causes of human exploitation, including poverty, homelessness, racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia and all forms of anti-immigrant bigotry. I invite you all to join me in observing January as Minneapolis human trafficking and exploitation, Prevention Month by organizing hosting and attending educational programs and activities that help raise awareness. We must multiply our collective impact by working together throughout the year until no human being suffers at the hands of human traffickers in Minneapolis. Please see our website for more ways. You can get educated and involved. Thank you. So much.