Roger DeHart inherited his advocacy spirit from his father. His dad was big on mentorship and bringing people from different walks of life together. In 1977, he started the first Men of Tomorrow Program, in which thriving students received scholarships from major corporations. After college, in Roger’s early twenties, he began mentoring young men, especially those without a father figure. It is then he realized the compassion he has for single moms. Soon after, Roger began a career with the Broward Sheriff’s Office as a Court Deputy. He recognized that there was a need for men to be a voice for the vulnerable. He became focused on helping the survivors and victims of human trafficking. On March 31, 2018, Roger started a walk from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Washington D.C. to raise awareness about human trafficking. Roger walked through 5 states, covering over 1,065 miles. Survivors from all over shared their stories with him during his journey. He realized that human trafficking awareness faces opposition, especially from the most powerful, so Roger planned for another walk. On August 11, 2019, he began a month-long journey from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California down the coast to San Diego. He chose California because of them having the highest rate of trafficking cases. He walked approximately 650 miles down the coast raising awareness with every step. In 2021, Roger set out again, this time on the streets of Houston, Texas. This time he was joined by the police department, survivors, and other advocates as they all walked to bring light to human trafficking. Roger’s goal is to be that male voice of hope for survivors.
Roger has received numerous awards for his advocacy, such as The Civilian Employee of the Year Award from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Emerald Society of Fort Lauderdale and the Protect the Children Award by the Female Development World Organization. (FDWO) He was also given the Voice for the Voiceless Award by the Elite Foundation. In 2020 Roger was chosen as the Grand Marshal of the Martin Luther King Parade in Ft. Lauderdale. Later that month, the N.F.L. invited Roger as a guest at the Unsung Heroes Super Bowl luncheon. He’s been featured on CBS 4 “Focus On South Florida Sunday” edition, as well as WSVN Channel 7. Roger DeHart was also given the Congressional Record Statement Award by U.S. Congressman Alcee Hastings. Fathers MIA, Inc presented Roger with the 2020 Servant of the Year award, as well. In late 2018, The No More Miles Walk Movie showed as part of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, in which the short movie relived Roger’s walk to Washington D.C. Roger DeHart was also invited by members of Congress to be a part of a Human Trafficking Super Bowl panel also in Washington D.C.