FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE KAREN A.

YARBROUGH
For Immediate Release:
March 8, 2011

Yarbrough to Host Celebration of Saartjie Baartman, 19th Century

African Slave who was Put on Public Display as an Oddity
BROADVIEW, IL – State Rep. Karen Yarbrough (D-Maywood) is hosting a celebration
and discussion of the life of Saartjie (Sarah) Baartman, a 19th Century slave who was
displayed in Europe at “freak shows” under the name “Hottentot Venus,” and objectified
for her physical appearance.

The event will also raise awareness of the ongoing struggle in the United States and
across the globe to stop human trafficking and domestic violence, and will feature,
among others, a presentation by the Cook County Sheriff’s Human Trafficking
Response Team.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information or to reserve a seat,
contact Yarbrough’s office at (708) 615-1747.

What: Celebration of Saartjie Baartman: A Discourse on Human Trafficking &

Domestic Violence

Who: State Reps. Karen Yarbrough and Connie Howard, Cook Co. Sheriff’s
Office, Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Sarah’s Inn, H.O.P.E. Inc.,
Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, Oak Park Police Dept.,
Maywood Police Dept.,

When: Saturday, March 12, 2011

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Oak Park Public Library – Veterans Room

834 Lake Street
Oak Park, IL

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