April 15-20 has been dubbed “Human Trafficking Awareness Week: Break the Chains” to call attention to the estimated 27 million people trapped in modern-day slavery, which includes sex trafficking and forced labor. Slaves can be found in 161 countries, including the United States.
Highlights include a talk by Corban Addison, author of A Walk Across the Sun, a novel about two young girls abducted for the global sex trade; panels on efforts to abolish slavery; and “Freedom to Play Day,” a day of advocacy, awareness and play.
Proceeds from all events will benefit the Ger House for Trauma Counseling in Gulu, Uganda, supported by Sports Outreach and humanitarian work in Haiti, supported by Beyond Borders.
Check out Darrell Laurant’s column in The News & Advance.
Here are 27 action steps you can take to combat human trafficking.
The schedule is as follows:
April 15
11 a.m. — 10 p.m. at Depot Grille (10 Ninth Street)
Bonner Student Leaders will be providing materials on human trafficking to diners. Proceeds benefit local/global rescue relief to end human trafficking.
April 16
7 p.m. — Portions of the PBS documentary Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwidebased on the book byNicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn.Film will be followed by a panel addressing modern-day slavery, including Ann Wright of Show of Force, Holly Herdman ’14 of Love 146, and Timothy Spaulding of Freedom 4/24.
Dillard Theatre
April 17
3 — 7 p.m. — Freedom to Play: LC Softball Doubleheader vs. Sweet Briar
7 p.m. — Corban Addison, author of A Walk Across the Sun, will be the keynote speaker. He will join a panel addressing policy changes that could decrease human trafficking with Dr. Kim McCabe, LC school dean and author of The Trafficking of Persons: National and International Responses, and Sgt. Steve Anders of the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Bedford Sheriff’s Department.
Memorial Ballroom, Hall Campus Center
April 18
7:30 p.m. Candlelight vigil with short videos about trafficking victims.
Brewer Townhouse, Pavilion
April 20 — Freedom to Play Day!
All Day Slavery Awareness at Shellenberger Field and Turner Gymnasium, including tents with displays on all types of modern-day slavery — child slavery, sex trafficking, and forced labor —prepared by LC students and Beyond Borders. Tents located in parking area above Shellenberger Field.
9 a.m. — 12 p.m. — Community Lacrosse Event
12 — 4 p.m. — Freedom to Play 3v3 Intramural Basketball Tournament
12 — 5 p.m. — LC Baseball Senior Day vs. Bridgewater
12:30 — 5:30 p.m.—LC Women’s Soccer Play Day
7 p.m. — LC Men’s Lacrosse vs. Hampden-Sydney
