Featured photo: Cheryl Golidy, founder of James-Moorehouse, Inc.
Written by Tanya Terry
The stage play “A Dream Deferred” about human trafficking hits the New McCree Theatre Saturday, July 30. The title of the play to be shown at the New McCree Theatre came about from the way victims of human trafficking are lured into the industry, according to Cheryl Golidy, founder of James-Moorehouse, Inc.
“A young lady had a dream to become a singer, an artist, and she was lured into this company
that did sex trafficking,” Golidy said. “So, her dream was delayed.”
Golidy started James-Moorehouse after being mandated to do a human trafficking in-service.
“The person who was giving it was a Detroit detective,” Golidy explained.
Golidy learned about the detective’s outreach for human trafficking victims and became
immediately involved in it.
“I wanted to do something more. I wanted to give housing to human trafficking victims.”
The purpose and the mission of James-Moorehouse, Inc. is to house young ladies who are
victims of human trafficking, ages 18-25.
“We have a downtown location, and we’re waiting for it to be renovated. While we’re waiting for the renovation to take place, I went out into the community since I know about outreach. We’re doing outreach to the community. We’re doing human trafficking training, human trafficking prevention; we’ve been to the (Flint) Farmer’s Market, to local churches, to church outings & city outings and we’ve given a couple fundraisers.”
The fundraisers have included pop-up sales. The next pop-up sale for the organization takes place August 20.
In addition, Golidy has been involved with the Genesee County Human Trafficking Task Force.
She is continuing to take human trafficking courses and can give certifications for human
trafficking training.
Golidy met the playwright and producer of “A Dream Deferred,” Stacey Johnson, through her
boss.
“I’m a nurse, and I happened to tell the nurses what I’m doing. My boss introduced me to Stacey Johnson, and I went to see her play at the Emagine Theatre in Royal Oak. Through our organization, we brought it to the Odyssey (House) in Flint for the staff.”
Through a survey, Golidy confirmed the staff were impressed with the stage play. They
commented on how realistic it was.
Golidy said the stage play has similarities to works by Tyler Perry.
“It has a lot of gospel in it. So, it’s faith based.”
The play has been shown throughout the Detroit Public Schools.
As a native of Flint, Golidy said bringing the play and more awareness about human trafficking
to the area is important to her because growing up she saw people become addicted to drugs and
get trapped in undesirable situations.
“The Bible says: ‘With lovingkindness have I drawn thee.’ So, we have to be out there and try to
help people.”
Anyone interested in seeing the production on July 30 should text 313-702-2131, or email
Future showings of the play are also expected.
