Shefik to Speak at 2023 Royal Blue Ribbon Gala for Human Trafficking Awareness

BALTIMORE — January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/12/30/a-proclamation-on-national-human-trafficking-prevention-month-2023/). Every year since 2010, the President of the United States has dedicated the month to raise awareness about human trafficking and to educate the public about how to identify and prevent this crime. The United States Department of State raises awareness of human trafficking domestically and abroad, through United States embassies and consulates.

"Since human trafficking disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities, women and girls, LGBTQI+ individuals, vulnerable migrants, and other historically marginalized and underserved communities, our mission to combat human trafficking must always be connected to our broader efforts to advance equity and justice across our society," says President Joe Biden, the 46th United States President.

During this month, we celebrate the efforts of foreign governments, international organizations, anti-trafficking entities, law enforcement officials, survivor advocates, communities of faith, businesses, and private citizens all around the world to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Human trafficking — whether in the form of forced labor, sex trafficking, or other offenses — is an abhorrent abuse of power and a profoundly immoral crime that strikes at the safety, health, and dignity of millions of people worldwide. During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to protect and empower survivors of all forms of human trafficking, to prosecute traffickers, and to bring an end to human trafficking in the United States and around the world.

On Saturday, January 28, 2023, Bella Levy Foundation will present its inaugural Royal Blue Ribbon Gala, aligning the mission statement of the foundation to unite the community and help provide awareness, education, and preventative methods against human trafficking. The royal blue celebrity and star-studded event will be held at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Baltimore Downtown Convention Center Area, 100 North Eutaw Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. Tickets can be purchased at https://bellalevy.org/blue-ribbon. Opening ceremonies will commence at 4 p.m. ET. Attendees are encouraged to wear royal blue evening formal attire to the event.

Media personality and philanthropist Sir Shefik Macauley (https://shefik.info), known mononymously as Shefik, is an ambassador of hope, who has appeared in audio and video productions for MTV, HBO Max, Paramount+, SiriusXM, PBS, TRT World, and Disney's "The Lion King" on Broadway. He is scheduled to speak as a Keynote Speaker during the gala on Saturday, January 28, 2023.

In addition to the gala on Saturday, January 28, 2023, options are available to also attend the meet and greet pre-event on Friday, January 27, 2023 (starting at 5 p.m. ET), as well as the farewell breakfast on Sunday, January 29, 2023 (9 a.m. ET to 11 a.m. ET).

For his charitable and philanthropic work throughout the years, Shefik was bestowed with the rank of Knight in the Equestrian Order of Michael Archangel (http://www.michaelarchangel.org). The Order is recognized by heads of state, being subjected to the Sovereign Imperial and Royal House of Ghassan (http://www.royalghassan.org), which is in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Shefik was also bestowed the rank of Knight Commander in the Royal Order of the Obeng II, subjected to the Royal House of Sefwi Obeng-Mim (Ghana) (https://www.royalhousemim.org).

Over the years, Shefik has supported organizations such as UNICEF, YWCA, Miss America Organization, Harlem Film House, Munhu, Morgan Marie Michael Foundation, and Broadway Sings for Pride. Celebrating over 25 years in the entertainment and technology industries, Shefik’s work has been featured in television broadcasts and video productions for TIME magazine, TEDx, The Washington Center, “Unsung” (TV One), Broadway World, and a major news station in New York City, as well as around 100 television and radio outlets owned by Cox Media Group. Additionally, his photography has been featured in print and online publications in multiple countries, such as The Independent, Daily Mail, Harvard Kennedy School Magazine, Playbill, China Press, Cumhuriyet, and Sportskeeda.

Shefik is also the Executive Producer and Host of the nationally syndicated, terrestrial radio show “Shefik presents Invocation” (https://invocation.co), as well as the internationally syndicated video show of the same name. The radio show currently has a total of almost 1 million dedicated listeners per month, and the combined multimedia platform has won over 40 industry awards within the past five years.

Additionally, Shefik is Producer and Host of the series “In Our Time with Sir Shefik”, which is broadcast live weekly on 247films.tv. Interviewed guests include several United States Congressional candidates, where Shefik advocated for various activism.

Shefik invites all to take the following pledge with him: "I'm calling all champions of humanity. Let's unite. Please join us for a night of unity and entertainment, as we take a stand in solidarity against human trafficking."

Bella Levy Foundation was created to educate in the prevention of human trafficking, child abduction, and support for neglected youths and young adults. The foundation understands abused victims will carry shame and guilt throughout their life and effects of abuse. The foundation provides programs serving abused youths and adults who are survivors of sex trafficking and forms of mistreatment.

There are estimated to be more than 27.6 million people — adults and children — subjected to human trafficking around the world, including in the United States. Traffickers often take advantage of instability caused by natural disasters, conflict, or a pandemic to exploit others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, traffickers are continuing to perpetrate the crime, finding ways to innovate and capitalize on the chaos. During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, let us resolve to counter injustice and fortify our commitment to pursue dignity and freedom for all people. The National Human Trafficking Hotline (+1 888-373-7888) is an important resource to report a tip or ask for help.

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