Issue date: 5/8/09 Section: Campus

Media Credit: Stephanie Rodriguez

Such a deal, said the pushy man.

For just $50, E. Benjamin Skinner could buy himself a Haitian girl, and not just for the night. She would be his, forever.

Skinner passed on the sad-eyed nine-year-old, so the man whisked her off to sell to someone else.

Slavery, despite what most Americans may believe, is a growth industry in much of the world - including the United States. Slaves are bought and sold for sex, labor and private armies. Little girls like the nine-year-old Haitian are sold by the thousands.

Skinner, a journalist and author of the book "A Crime So Monstrous," became the first person in history to observe the sale of human beings on four continents, according to his website. He has dedicated much of his adult life to shining light into the dark and sadistic world of slavery. His message is startling - there are more slaves in the world now than ever before in history.

He gave an electrifying presentation to nearly 1,000 students packed into the Southwestern College gym, and fired robust discussions on campus.

"I was really satisfied with the number of people who showed interest," said Valentina Murguia, president of Can't Stop Won't Stop.

She said most people just 'talk the talk', but Skinner 'walks the walk' and that he has inspired her to make the changes she wants to see in the world.

With the help of clubs like Can't Stop Won't Stop, assistant professor of history Laura Ryan was able to raise enough money and advertise the return of Skinner to SWC.

Skinner said he could have just paid $50 to free the little Haitian girl, but refused on the principle that the culprits would profit and be motivated to continue to sell slaves.

"What I did not do, and what I have not done," said Skinner, "is pay for human life."

This is not to say he did nothing.

There are an estimated 300,000 slaves in Haiti, said Skinner. All but one of the 32 women in one isolated village had given their children away to slave traders rather than let them starve. One of the mothers asked him for help.

"Be a journalist," he recalled thinking. "But this is a mother who asked me for help."

So he helped.

Skinner went into a gang-controlled town in Port-au Prince and freed Camsease without paying. He said he went with his translator, guide and Camsease's mother to take her away.

Continued...

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