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Former Slave to Discuss “Modern Day Slavery” at University of Idaho Martin Forum Jan. 29
Jan. 9, 2007
Photo available at: www.iabolish.com/speakers_bureau/index.html
MOSCOW, Idaho – Micheline Slattery became a servant to extended family members when orphaned at age five. At 14, she was trafficked from Haiti to Connecticut to serve as her cousin’s slave and allowed to go to school under restrictive supervision. After many years in captivity, Slattery was able to leave and currently works as a nurse in Massachusetts.
The University of Idaho’s Martin Institute for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution brings Slattery to Moscow Jan. 29 as keynote speaker for its latest Martin Forum. The event is at 7 p.m. in the Student Union Building Ballroom and is free and open to the public.
Slattery only recently started to publicly speak about her childhood enslavement.
“It’s not something I will ever feel free and comfortable talking about, but I do it because I think it will make a difference,” Slattery notes at the American Anti-Slavery Group Web site. “I want people to understand that it’s happening. If they need to see a face, see mine.”
For more information about Ms. Slattery, visit www.iabolish.com/speakers_bureau/index.html
Assisting Slattery in the talk is Janie Kiser, a 2003 graduate of the University of Idaho. She is the current program director of American Anti-Slavery Group.
Slattery and Kiser also will visit with classes and hold a special discussion with international studies majors.
“Far from being a problem of the past, this is a major, current international issue – I wish it wasn’t, but it is,” said Bill Smith, interim director of the Martin Peace Institute. “With over 27 million people living in some type of slavery around the world, it is very much a problem of our times. Our forum will help bring the issue to light, and help to end this scourge onto the international agenda.”
Martin Forums on international topics are part of the educational and outreach missions of the Martin Institute for Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution. The institute was founded to advance research and teach about the causes of conflict and peaceful resolution. For additional information, visit www.martin.uidaho.edu.
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About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract more than $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university’s student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Its high academic performers include 42 National Merit Scholars and a 2006-07 freshmen class with an average high school grade point average of 3.42. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.
Contact: Katie Dahlinger, University Communications, (208) 885-7251, kdahlinger@uidaho.edu
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