JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A bird set free from a cage on a journey of hope is the symbol of healing now beautifully set at Rethreaded’s Delores Barr Weaver Campus of Hope.
Jacksonville First Lady Molly Curry unveiled the human trafficking survivor-inspired mosaic and mural art installation on Tuesday at the Springfield campus.
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Survivor LJ said the art installation perfectly encapsulates the freedom she now feels in her new life.
“Being locked in a cage for so long and the freedom of being set free out of that cage and becoming the women that we are today. Honestly, a lot of it is because of Rethreaded. I’m so grateful,” LJ said.
Reclaiming the Light: A Survivor’s Journey is an educational art installation co-created by Roux Art and Nico. The art shares the story of a survivor’s path to healing from human trafficking and honors the women who found the strength and courage to rebuild their lives.
Included in the survivor’s journey mural are mirrored sections, allowing those who view the mural to see themselves in the journey as well.
LJ said those who have stepped up to help at Rethreaded have changed her life.
“It has provided not just a workplace for me but a home. The community here is amazing, and the women here. It’s been a lifesaver for me,” LJ said.
During the news conference, Curry also launched a community education campaign to raise awareness of the impact of human trafficking and educate citizens on the availability of resources and trauma-informed care.
Designed to be an interactive tool, Reclaiming the Light: A Survivor’s Journey will serve as the educational centerpiece for the campus.
The exhibit contains a self-guided tour featuring stories, statistics, and resources surrounding the issue of human trafficking empowering visitors with information on how to help. Businesses can take the pledge online to train their employees on how to spot and report suspected human trafficking safely and effectively.
“As the mother of two young women, I believe that empowering women to achieve their full potential is a universal responsibility of us all. This educational art installation will become a destination for Jacksonville, allowing for all who enter the Rethreaded Delores Barr Weaver Campus of Hope to become an advocate for ending human trafficking,” Curry said. “I’m incredibly grateful to our partners at Rethreaded, Roux Art and Nico, for helping make this project a reality.”
The First Lady Molly Curry Educational Art Legacy Project is made possible by a generous donation from the Dr. Frances Bartlett Kinne Estate to the City of Jacksonville. Visit www.Rethreaded.com/MollyCurryLegacyProject to learn more about the inspiration for the art and how citizens can join the fight to end human trafficking.