WGN People to People: Survivors Leading the Fight Against Sex Trafficking

The new film Operation Aunties, starring acclaimed actresses Tisha Campbell, Wendy Raquel Robinson, and a powerful ensemble cast, shines a spotlight on the harsh and often hidden realities of human trafficking and exploitation. This gripping story is more than entertainment—it’s a call to action grounded in truth.

At the heart of the film’s impact are two real-life advocates and survivors: Brenda Stewart and Brenda Myers-Powell. As founders of the Chicago-based community organization Ernestine’s Daughter, they have transformed their own painful experiences into powerful advocacy. Through outreach, education, and direct support, they are working tirelessly to protect and empower some of Chicago’s most vulnerable populations—especially young women and girls who are at risk or currently trapped in systems of exploitation.

Their mission is clear: to raise awareness, offer resources, and remind survivors that healing and freedom are possible. Operation Aunties aligns with this mission, bringing national attention to an issue that too often goes unseen.

If you or someone you know is being exploited or needs support, don’t wait—visit ernestinesdaughter.org for help, resources, and hope.

Ending 2025 With Gratitude and Hope

As 2025 comes to a close, we are deeply grateful for you. Your financial, spiritual, and volunteer support has made this a transformative year for Ernestine’s Daughter and the survivors we serve.

Because of you, we served survivors, helped advance landmark legislation, hosted our first fundraiser, and delivered trainings across Chicago and Illinois. Most importantly, we continued to show up for survivors of gender-based violence and sex trafficking with compassion, dignity, and hope.

Since launching in 2023, Ernestine’s Daughter has supported hundreds of women and girls through street outreach and our East Garfield Park drop-in center, providing food, showers, wellness services, referrals, and a safe place to rest. We meet survivors where they are, offering nonjudgmental support and the courage to imagine a different path forward.

To sustain this life-changing work, we invite you to make an end-of-year gift or commit to a monthly donation. You can give by scanning the QR code below or clicking the link.

Thank you for standing with survivors and helping us continue to spread love, healing, and hope.