Justice Speaks: Be a Light in the Darkness
From live music to moving messages, the first annual Justice Speaks benefit –
Be a Light in the Darkness – clearly depicted the heart of the organization from
beginning to end. When Justice Speaks began, founder Sharon Ngai’s heart
was simple and pure – to see human trafficking eradicated. She began with
prayer walks through Koreatown, which is peppered with brothels and massage
parlors, and prayer meetings where she gathered other likeminded people to
contend against this revolting reality of young girls being sold for sex. It has been
incredible to see that just a few years later Ngai has partnered with renowned
organizations like In-N-Out and Hanmi Bank as well as influential singer-
songwriters in the entertainment industry like Isaiah Smith, Lauren Evans, and
Shari Short - artists featured on the Radiant EP released October 2015. This
event was a culmination of both the prayers and the hard work it took to make
Justice Speaks a reality. This benefit marked the culmination of the development
stage of Justice Speaks and the launch of greater endeavors in the fight against
human trafficking.
Sharon Ngai set the tone for the benefit with stories of the harsh reality of both
the international and domestic sex trade as well as testimonies of hope. She
juxtaposed the plight of young girls being trafficked in South Central with the
preventative work with at risk children in Thailand. Although the epidemic may
often seem insurmountable, Ngai sees the glimmer of freedom that shines for
these young ones and her role to play. She has not and will not give up in her
fight to end human trafficking until every resource she has is exhausted and
every ounce of her is poured out. It was with this same zeal and fervor that she
announced that this year will be the year that Justice Speaks partners with law
enforcement agencies to rescue girls out of the sex trade!
The keynote speaker for the evening was Lynsi Ellingson, president and owner of
In-N-Out. She shared her heart of compassion and justice through personal
anecdotes and through a declaration of Isaiah 61, a passage that speaks to the
righteousness and justice of God. It spoke directly to the vision of Justice
Speaks, which is to see girls rescued from human trafficking.
Vikki and C.G. Kum, president of Hanmi Bank and long time partners of Justice
Speaks, championed this cause to all the guests at the event calling them to
partner with Justice Speaks in a variety of ways whether through finances,
advocacy, or volunteering. Desiring to see human trafficking eliminated in
Koreatown, the Kum’s are grateful for labor of Justice Speaks in that area over
the years.
This benefit brought together heads of corporations, musicians, and advocates -
people from differing fields but with the same burning desire to see the human
trafficking industry demolished. What will you do? Where is your sphere of
influence? You don’t need to be a Grammy-nominated artist, president of a
prominent corporation, or staff of a non-profit organization to make a difference.
Ask yourself what your role is exactly where you are and with the resources you
have and go out and be a difference maker, world changer, and justice
champion.
“The Justice Speaks fundraiser was an elegant and inspiring event! Witnessing
the vision and impact that the organization has had on numerous lives in the U.S.
and in Thailand was touching. Founder, Sharon Ngai's passion and commitment
gave a voice to the voiceless. This worthy cause is worth getting behind.”
- Danita Patterson, CEO, Destiny Unlimited, Inc. and Founder of Destiny
Outreach.