By Al Benson
An Oswego tattoo artist has found his life’s ministry: Removing and covering human trafficking victims’ tattoos.
He was the guest speaker at Aurora Navy League Council 247’s October 15 membership meeting at Riverview Diner in Montgomery. In his after-dinner speech entitled “Tattoos to Combat Human Trafficking,” Baker gave details how he aids trafficking victims’ nationwide.
Baker owns INK 180, a tattoo and piercing parlor in Oswego. He recalled that he learned traffickers use tattoos on their victims, “branding them as one would cattle,” he said. In response, he founded a non-profit arm of his business in October 2011 to offer trafficking victims and former gang members a second chance. Since then, he has performed more than 2,000 free sessions.
Baker provides his expertise, supplies and artwork free of charge, relying on donations.
According to the artist, he consults with local to national police departments and the FBI on tattoo removal/coverup programs. “The goal of the INK 180 Ministry is to join forces with other tattoo artists and dermatology groups from across the country to provide free tattoo coverups or removals,” he said.
For more information, call (630) 554-1404 or visit Ink180.com.