Birmingham, Alabama Jan 27, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - On January 24, 2025, Douglas Gilmer, PhD, retired Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent and Senior Advisor, now founder, and president of Resolved Strategies LLC, was presented the William Wilberforce Lifetime Achievement Award for his efforts in countering human trafficking globally. The ceremony took place in Orlando, Florida, on the campus of the University of Central Floridas Rosen School of Hospitality Management.

William Wilberforce (24 August 1759 29 July 1833), was a staunch abolitionist who fought to abolish slavery throughout the British Empire. Wilberforce, and his group of friends, known as the Clapham Sect, at great personal cost to themselves, argued thirty years to finally outlaw the slave trade, and slavery in general, through the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act and the 1833 Abolition of Slavery bill in the House of Commons. Wilberforce was known for his passionate arguments and is best known for the statement, Having heard all this you may choose to look the other way, but you can never again say you did not know. Wilberforce and his life work were featured in the 2006 film, Amazing Grace.

Tomas Lares, President of United Abolitionists, the organization presenting this namesake anti-trafficking recognition, stated,

Dr. Doug Gilmers unwavering commitment to justice, his selfless dedication to serving the vulnerable, and his relentless pursuit of truth, embody the very essence of the William Wilberforce Award. For 35 years he has stood as a guardian of the oppressed, a beacon of integrity, and a champion of those without a voice. It is with great honor we recognize his distinguished service in law enforcement and his tireless efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation. His legacy will inspire generations to come.

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