Genesee County, MI — As Human Trafficking Awareness Month comes to a close, the Genesee County Human Trafficking Taskforce will host its annual “Light Up the Night” Candlelight Vigil to honor victims, uplift survivors, and raise awareness about the ongoing fight against this devastating crime.

The vigil will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at the Office of the Genesee County Sheriff, 1002 South Saginaw Street, Flint, MI 48502. Community members, leaders, and advocates are invited to stand together in remembrance and solidarity.

“While many families are sitting down to dinner, others are desperately searching for a child who didn’t come home. National data suggests 1 in 7 runaway youth are likely being exploited. This vigil is not symbolic—it is a declaration that our community will not look away,” said Angela Dudley, Co-Chair of the Genesee County Human Trafficking Taskforce. “This vigil is not just about remembering those we’ve lost—it’s about fighting for those who are still out there, waiting for someone to notice.”

Human trafficking remains a critical and often hidden crime. In Michigan alone, more than 500 cases of human trafficking were reported in 2024, with many more believed to go unreported.

The event will feature remarks from Taskforce Co-Chairs Deputy Mackenzie Rose of GHOST (Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team) and Angela Dudley, Taskforce Fiduciary; Jamie-Lee Venable, Vice President of Operations at United Way; and a representative from The Prism Project, which operates a Safehouse Program providing full wraparound, restorative services to child survivors of sex trafficking. Attendees can also look forward to a special appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog from Crime Stoppers.

“This vigil is a reminder that even on the coldest nights, individuals are enduring unimaginable suffering,” Dudley added. “We will continue to raise awareness and take action every day to protect and empower our community.”

The vigil is free and open to the public. Together, Genesee County can shine a light in the darkness—to honor victims, support survivors, and strengthen our shared commitment to ending human trafficking.