Harding’s social justice group HUmanity is helping to host a “Freedom Week” April 8-12 to raise awareness for modern day slavery. The week will feature several different events, all designed to educate and mobilize Harding’s community.
Senior athletic training major and HUmanity president Jessica Kirkham said the purpose of the event is to help people understand that human trafficking is a revalent issue.
On Monday, HUmanity will show “Nefarious: Merchant of Souls” in McInteer 150 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $2 and all proceeds will benefit International Justice Mission, a non-profit that fights human trafficking.
On Tuesday, guest speaker Louise Allison, a victim of human trafficking, will be speaking about her experience and escape from trafficking in McInteer 150 at 8 p.m.
Due to Wednesday being Bisons for Christ, HUmanity Freedom Week will continue on Thursday and Friday with a 27-hour stand for freedom. On the front lawn, Harding students and members of the community will stand for 27 hours straight to raise voices for freedom. Sign ups for the stand will take place at the booth in the student center in the days leading up to the event.
Wrapping up the week, HUmanity will host a concert at The Bridge, formerly The Underground, featuring bands “Looking for Alaska” and “Caspiar” on Friday, April 12 at 7 p.m. Admission will be $7, with all proceeds benefiting Partners Against Trafficking Humans (P.A.T.H.), Arkansas’ first shelter for trafficking victims.
HUmanity was formed four years ago as an umbrella group mostly focused on being environmentally friendly. In the spring of 2012, the group changed directions and began focusing on raising awareness to eradicate human trafficking and modern slavery.
“HUmanity has helped with projects on campus such as Java City having recyclable cups and having fair trade coffee,” Kirkham said. “We just want people to take in the information, really try to learn one thing from what we tell you and try to spread that as much as possible.”
HUmanity is a member of the International Justice Mission, which encompasses colleges across the U.S. dedicated to the same cause.
To find out more about Freedom Week or HUmanity, connect with them on Facebook at “Harding Freedom Week: Harding Stands for Freedom” or the HUmanity page on Facebook at “Harding HUmanity.” Liking these pages will also provide ways to sign national petitions against trafficking and links to order T-shirts and other merchandise.
Freedom Week Schedule:
Monday: Showing of “Nefarious: Merchant of Souls” in McInteer 150 at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Human trafficking victim Louise Allison shares her story in McInteer 150 at 8 p.m.
Thursday & Friday: 27-hour stand for freedom on front lawn.
Friday: “Looking for Alaska” and “Caspiar” concert at The Bridge at 7 p.m.
