Journalist Roundtable: Global Activism and Human Trafficking in Pennsylvania

• Asia Tabb
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Asia Tabb is the Host and Producer for WITF’s The Spark.
  
  She began her start in radio when she joined legendary radio/ host producer, Doc Christian. She worked closely with Doc for her role on “The Gospel Express, on WHOV 88.1 FM and was a host for “Unrestricted Praise” at Praise FM.
  
  Previously she was an anchor in Shreveport, Louisiana at KTAL/KMSS. Asia also worked as a Multi-Media Journalist at WHP-TV here in Harrisburg, PA.
  
  Asia got her break into news at KTVO in Ottumwa, Ia. While the 2020 caucuses were gearing up. Asia followed many candidates through their campaign trail from Senator Cory Booker, Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, and 46th President of the United States Joe Biden.
  
  Asia was born and raised in Norfolk, Va. She graduated from Old Dominion University in 2018 with a major in Communications.
  
  Asia is extremely friendly so don’t be afraid to say hi if you see her out and about.

Mennonite Action protesters Tim Seidel, front right, Rick Yoder, front left, Ben Rush, back left, and Mike Ramer, back right, are arrested by U.S. Capitol Police during a Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, protest against the war in Gaza outside Sen. Mark Warner's office in Washington, D.C.

AIRED; January 9, 2026

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Pennsylvania reporters are highlighting issues that affect communities both near and far. WITF’s Jordan Wilkie reported on a group of activist Mennonites in Lancaster calling for a ceasefire in Gaza while also advocating for immigrant support in the U.S. Wilkie notes, “They’re trying to create a bridge between local action and global awareness. Their efforts are grounded in community, but they’re thinking about the broader impact.” His coverage explores how these progressive Anabaptists organize through rallies, petitions, and educational outreach, showing how personal conviction can influence larger social and political conversations.

Closer to home, Emily Previti of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star covers House Bill 12-86, which would require hospitality workers to undergo training to recognize and report human trafficking. Previti explains, “The goal is to ensure that hospitality personnel know how to spot signs of human trafficking and act responsibly. It’s about making safety a standard part of the hospitality industry.” The legislation comes as Pennsylvania prepares for major events in 2026, including the FIFA World Cup and the NFL Draft, and includes fines for noncompliance and mandatory record-keeping by hotels and short-term rental operators. Together, Wilkie and Previti’s reporting highlights the breadth of social issues journalists are tackling, from global activism to local protections, emphasizing the role of civic engagement and informed public discourse.