Abolitionist Spotlight | Tony Talbott
Every human trafficking abolitionist has to begin their journey somewhere, and this month's featured advocate started in the United States Navy. As a young man not yet ready for college, Tony Talbott enlisted and traveled the world during his sea duty. He spent a large amount of that time in Asia and specifically remembers his time in the Philippines as particularly influential. He describes the main street where he was stationed as "lined with bars and clubs," all of which were advertising something in common: commercial sex. The place that cemented his resolve to make a difference was a place called "Sweet 16" that boasted service from young girls, the oldest of which was only sixteen years old. After seeing such a display of abuse and exploitation, Talbott was determined to do something about it. When he returned to the United States, he received a Bachelor's degree in history and government from Columbia College and an M.A. in International Affairs from Ohio University so that he could better understand the systems that create vulnerabilities to human traffickers in the first place.
Today, he wears many hats, including Director of Advocacy at the University of Dayton, Director and Co-Founder of Abolition Ohio. He also serves on the Ohio Attorney General's Human Trafficking Commission. Abolition Ohio works to end human trafficking through various avenues, including prevention research, education and spreading awareness, and assisting with legislation and policy. Because Abolition Ohio is based in the University of Dayton, they can leverage the university's prestige and influence to create anti-trafficking connections and partnerships, something that is vital to Abolition Ohio's mission. Anti-trafficking work is all about collaboration! Talbott says after so many years of working with Abolition Ohio, connecting people has almost become a superpower of his! To learn more about Talbott and the work he does, you can do so here.
When asked what the one thing he wants people to know about the anti-trafficking movement is, Talbott says, "Anybody can help. You just have to find your talents and find where they fit." From prevention researchers to those who make quilts for survivors, we all have something to bring to the table.