Across the world, 45.8 million children, women and men live as slaves. The United States is one of the top three destination points for victims of human trafficking, with victims being forced into industries such as commercial sex, hotels, restaurants, domestic work, nail salons, agriculture, construction and more. California, New York and Nevada are the top destination states in the United States for victims of human trafficking — but modern day slaves can be found in every state in the country, including right here in Pennsylvania.
To raise awareness for victims of human trafficking, Blackburn Center is participating in the Red Sand Project, an art installation created by Molly Gochman. Participants are asked to place red sand in cracks of sidewalks. Each grain of sand represents one of the millions of victims of human trafficking that have fallen through the cracks of society and have gone unnoticed. We will be participating in this project by filling the grout of the sidewalks around the Westmoreland County Courthouse, as well as part of the courtyard, with red sand. The installation will take place on May 9, and will remain in place until May 12 for the public to view. It will include signs to explain what the sand represents.
If you would like to get involved in the fight to stop human trafficking and to help Blackburn Center raise awareness about human trafficking, you can start by helping us with the Red Sand Project! We need volunteers to help us fill the cracks at the Westmoreland County Courthouse on May 9th, and to remove the sand on the 12th. Please contact us to volunteer!
Blackburn Center is committed to ending human trafficking in our community. If you would like to learn more about human trafficking, you can request a training for your group from our organization. You can also request signs and information in places like your business, community center, or religious organization, or join Westmoreland County's Task Force on Human Trafficking. If you suspect human trafficking, you can report it to the National Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
The Red Sand Project is a powerful way to raise awareness of human trafficking in our community. We hope that you can join us as we shed light on this important topic!
Learn More:
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