Human Trafficking

There are more slaves today than at any other time in history.

As I continue to research human trafficking with my students, I continue to be knocked off of my feet by the horrors of this industry. The proximity of it is equally as horrifying. Atlanta as a hub? I struggle with knowing how to approach the topic with my students. They are clearly passionate about it, but what does it look like to expose them to issues that are “age-appropriate?” For example, one of my students this week said, “I’m going to the airport this weekend. I’m going to look for slaves.” One thing I know to be true: with the reality of so much suffering also comes the assurance of hope. There is light shining in this dark place. More and more people and organizations are taking action against sex trafficking in Atlanta and the world. Coming up in ATL…

PLAYGROUND Documentary Film

Date: May 2, 2010

Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm (two showings of the film)

Location: The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University 80 Forsyth Street NW Atlanta, GA 30303

Playground Trailer

Are they too young to really understand? Should they know? After watching the trailer for this documentary, I know I can’t bring my students to see it, but the tension is that they are the same age or older than many of the victims…it’s a reality too risky to avoid.

“Justice is what love looks like in public”–Cornel West

Global and Local Human Trafficking

So, we’ve been talking about modern day slavery in my 7th grade History class. I may be a Radiohead poser, but I really and truly loved In Rainbows. Remember the song “All I need?” Check out the video that parallels a young American boy and a young boy in Southeast Asia forced into labor.

All I Need

Although child labor is certainly a huge issue in the world, my eyes have been opened recently to another form of slavery; sex trafficking in THIS city and state. Yesterday, we had two staffers from StreetGrace Ministries come talk to us about trafficking in Georgia. I was shocked to learn more about how trafficking could affect my students.

Did you know…

human trafficking is the exploitation by force, fraud or coercion of vulnerable people for forced labor, domestic servitude, or commercial sex operations

400 people (mostly girls) are trafficked (bought and sold) in GEORGIA every year?

the average age for sex trafficking is 12-14?

the #1 way to get out of the trafficking industry is death…the average lifespan for someone in this industry is 31.

Atlanta is a “hub” for this industry. With a huge airport, crime, drugs, and the adult entertainment industry, our city has created the “perfect storm” for child prostitution.

Here’s more information on child prostitution in Atlanta

I’m so proud of the way this issue has touched my students. We plan on taking action.