Celia Day & Human Trafficking Awareness Week 2026
“From history to action — Missouri stands united against human trafficking.”
April 7–10 & April 18, 2026 | State of Missouri
Led by the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation, Celia Day & Human Trafficking Awareness Week is Missouri’s official statewide observance established through Senate Bill 348 (the “Celia Bill”). The Foundation extends sincere appreciation to the Governor of Missouri for signing the bill into law and to Senator Travis Fitzwater for sponsoring and championing this historic legislation.
Observed during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), the week honors the legacy of Celia by connecting Missouri’s history of sexual violence to present-day exploitation. In partnership with the State Historical Society of Missouri, the Coalition Against Rape & Domestic Violence (CARDV), the Coalition Against Trafficking & Exploitation (CATE), the Missouri History Museum, the Crime Victim Center of St. Louis, and community partners statewide, this initiative transforms historical truth into education, accountability, and survivor-centered action.
Why This Week Matters
Celia Day & Human Trafficking Awareness Week represent Missouri’s commitment to confronting its history while strengthening modern systems of protection. Celia’s story is not symbolic — it is instructional. This week bridges remembrance with reform, ensuring that legal recognition leads to meaningful, survivor-centered change.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | Celia Day (Signature Event)
Registration: Registration Form
Note: Registration closes Friday, April 3, 2026.
Wednesday, April 8 | Statewide Virtual Education Day
Registration: Registration Form
Note: Registration closes Friday, April 3, 2026.
Thursday, April 9 — Kansas City | 4:00 PM | Black Archives of Mid-America, 1722 E. 17th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64108
Registration: Registration Form
Note: Registration closes Friday, April 3, 2026.
Friday, April 10 — Fulton | Community Training Event | 9:00 AM | Callaway Electric Coop, 1313 Cooperative Drive, Fulton, MO 65251
Note: Registration closes Friday, April 10, 2026.
Saturday, April 18 — St. Louis | Missouri-East Culminating Event | 1:00 PM | Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112
Registration: Registration Form
Note: Registration closes Friday, April 10, 2026.
Celia’s story calls us to more than remembrance — it calls us to action. We invite educators, advocates, faith leaders, policymakers, and community members to join us in transforming her legacy into survivor-centered protection and lasting justice across Missouri.
Contact
For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or additional information, contact the Celia Newsom Legacy Foundation at admin@celianewsomlegacyfoundation.org