End it Movement

27 million. That’s about the net worth of Steph Curry.

27 million. That’s more than the population of Australia.

27 million. That is the estimated number of enslaved people on our Earth right now.

Not what you expected for the 21st century is it? You also probably expect it only happens in foreign, less developed countries. Well, wrong again. Human trafficking and slavery is happening right now, right under your nose. 60,100 imprisoned here in the United States.

January is known as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, but End It Movement doesn’t stop there. In fact, they have deemed February 25th as their own “Shine a Light on Slavery” day. This group works to bring awareness, prevention, rescue and restoration to those affected and effected by human trafficking and modern day slavery that can come in the form of bonded or forced labor.

Sophomores, Trevor Bramblett, and Jordan Arnold, alongside many others have brought this movement to Athens. In fact, this amazing group of people started a coalition here, at UGA. The University of Georgia deemed “End It Movement” an official student organization in April of 2015.

“Everyone has a voice and every voice matters because awareness is the first step in the fight for freedom.” Bramblett tells me when asked about officially bringing this organization to campus.

Since then, the team has been working hard to reach out and engage the student body. With every organization, it takes more than the directors to make a difference. It takes members with willing helpful hands. That is exactly what they are building on our campus -- a coalition to help end slavery to our best ability. And what are we better at than spreading the word? Whether it is through broadcasting on social media, setting up tables at Tate with stickers and flyers or hosting events to physically show real-life slavery situations, the main focus for their work is to spread awareness on our campus.

Like the majority, many of us will think what can I do as a broke student? The answer is being aware. Being mindful and spreading the word are the two best ways to fight this outdated pandemic we call slavery.

Bramblett expresses that “Getting involved is simple. On February 25th, draw a red X on your hand and post a picture to social media (#UGAinittoENDIT and #ENDITMovementatUGA), stop by Tate Plaza, and join the movement by giving at https://give.enditmovement.com/team/UGA “

Spread the word and help Shine A Light on Slavery.