The Slave-Free Community Project - Introductory Event

The Slave-Free Community Project is hosting its first event, “What Slavery Looks Like Today and How Local Communities Like Ours Can Help End It”. The project is enlisting residents, organizations, businesses, schools, and governments in South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn and Short Hills to become the first communities in the nation that can confidently say “slave free” by raising awareness and working to eliminate the effects of modern slavery from every aspect of daily life. It is estimated that there are over 21 million enslaved people worldwide generating $150 billion annually in illicit profits. Modern slavery encompasses human trafficking, forced labor, sex trafficking and debt bondage, and exists in supply chains for items such as gold jewelry, electronic goods, shrimp, cotton, cocoa, and carpets. 26% of today’s slaves are children. At this free event, attendees will learn about the impacts of modern slavery in today’s world and how they can be part of this important project to effect change in our South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn and Short Hills communities. “I am thrilled that Kevin Bales, a leader in addressing this important global issue, is joining us as we launch our local effort to eliminate modern slavery from our communities,” says Bob Boneberg, coordinator for the Slave-Free Community Project. “And, Anisa Mehdi is a great partner in helping us spread our message throughout our communities so that we can join together to make a positive impact in our own backyards.”