MKM JS 532x430 - About ALIVE

Founder’s Message

The trafficking of Black women, girls, and transgender women in the US is staggering. The FBI reports that 40% of all reported trafficking cases are from the Black community. It’s an epidemic that must be addressed.

Did that catch your attention? It did mine and it flipped my lid and I started digging in to what is actually happening.

When I learned the critical disparity that is taking place within the Black community when it comes to the lack of recognition and the irresponsible lack of response to Black girls being trafficked and commercially sexually exploited, it was time to use my voice of experience, of inspiration to rally the Black community to take action. So, I sounded the alarm and I was quickly surrounded by Black folks who were all in. What came to life? ALIVE.

The Alliance of Leadership and Innovation for Victims of Exploitation, or ALIVE as we call our effort, is harnessing the power of the Black community to raise their voices, their action, their power to say “Stop taking our girls and women. They deserve life.” ALIVE is the first organization of it’s kind in the US to direct its mission solely into the Black community to bring awareness and prevention to a community that deserves so much more from the media, law enforcement, coordinated human trafficking efforts and even it own community.

My truest hope is you, too, hear the call and consider digging in to learn about ALIVE and our unprecedented approach to ending sex trafficking in the Black community. Guys, here’s the hard truth; Sex trafficking will never diminish until the Black community comes together and says “STOP” and takes a hard internal look.

ALIVE wants to partner with you, so we together can save lives. They’re precious in our Creator’s eyes. 

Melinda Metz

Founder , ALIVE

“History has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.

– Michelle Obama

Who We Are

ALIVE is a national nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on combatting the pervasive issue of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in the black community through, awareness, prevention, research and innovation. ALIVE began as a grass roots community effort in 2019 with sex trafficking advocates and allies from Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA and Dallas, TX. ALIVE has expanded its vision to become a respected national leader dedicated to supporting, protecting and equipping members of the Black community through awareness and prevention that can be harnessed to combat sex trafficking.

Why We Exist

Did you know that in 2012 the U.S. Department of Justice reported that 62% of human trafficking victims, including both children and adults, are Black? The ‘intersectional invisibility’ of Black women, whereby they are overlooked victims facing unprecedented racism and sexism is a pandemic that can no longer be ignored. Therefore, we at ALIVE are dedicated to prioritizing their identity as well as preserving it by making sure they are protected from the snares of sex trafficking by bringing awareness and prevention to the Black community so they, too, can join the fight for their village.

Our Mission

ALIVE champions awareness and prevention to end sex trafficking and exploitation in the Black community through innovative, solution-focused events.

Our Vision

To see the Black community free from sex trafficking and exploitation.

Our Values

Boldness | Faith | Truth

We fearlessly seek to stand in faith for what is true and right.

Social Equity | Diversity | Inclusiveness

We aim to create a culture of fairness, justice and equality that is accessible to all people and respect that we all belong to a Creator who has designed us for love and inclusion. 

Transparency | Dignity | Integrity

We commit to connecting with humanity by being honest and clear, cherishing each other’s credos and cultivating relationship wholeness.  

LEADERSHIP

MKM JS - About ALIVE

Melinda Metz

Founder + Board president

Melinda is a visionary, critical thinker, philanthropist and lover of humanity. Her extensive knowledge of sex trafficking through her work and relationships she’s built throughout her years of mentoring and advocating for sex trafficking survivors, and the invaluable knowledge she learned from survivor leaders, has positioned Melinda as a seasoned survivor ally.

K Henry - About ALIVE

Ken Henry

DIR. OF OPERATIONS + BOARD TREASURER

As chair of the Compton Human Trafficking Task Force, Ken is a dedicated trafficking advocate, educating members of the Black community through awareness and prevention. His work with victims of human trafficking and mentoring combined with his knowledge of brain science has made it possible for him to make tremendous strides with human trafficking survivors. 

will lopez 2 - About ALIVE

Will Lopez

DIGITAL MANAGER

From an early age, Will was interested in learning how things worked. It is no surprise that as an adult his profession is a highly skilled software engineer. Will has been working as a professional software developer for over 10 years and specializes is web applications and e-commerce systems.

Board of Directors

MKM JS - About ALIVE

Melinda Metz

Board president
ALIVE Executive Director

D Parish - About ALIVE

Donald R Parish, Jr

BOARD SECRETARY
FOUNDER + CEO A STEADY HAND

K Henry - About ALIVE

Ken Henry

BOARD TREASURER
ALIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

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Jerron Mosley

Member-at-large
FOUNDER + PRESIDENT | DIGNITY OUTLOUD