In 1865, slavery was abolished which gave African Americans the rights that they fought so long and hard for. As you probably know, they were seen as inferior compared to whites and were treated as if they were property instead of human beings. Their natural rights were cruelly snatched away from them and freedom seemed to be out of reach. However, African Americans united with the help of some strong people who decided to speak up and are now looked upon as great leaders in helping abolish slavery. Many people fought a long, painful journey to end slavery. Unfortunately, some people don't let go of the past and are unable to tell the difference between right and wrong. Yes, slavery was abolished, but it still exists in many different parts of the world today, and it's not only targeting African Americans but other races, women, and children as well. The excruciating journey to freedom still continues for some people. 

It's 2017 and people think that slavery doesn't exist anymore, but it's just as real as it was hundred years ago. The sad thing is that not everyone knows that it exists. But it is still happening in other parts of the world, specifically in Central and East Asia, and Central Africa which includes countries such as India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, North Korea, Russia, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Indonesia. At least 20.9 million people are trapped in slavery today and are suffering in silence. According to End Slaver Now (www.endslaverynow.org/learn/slavery-today) "Modern-Day Slavery" involves domestic servitude, sex trafficking, forced labor, and forced marriages. Domestic servitude are nannies and maids who offer to provide their services, but then become aware of the fact that they are unable to leave and are trapped or enslaved. Sex trafficking is when women, men, or children are sexually exploited and are forced into commercial sex acts. Most sex trafficking victims are lured by false promises and employment opportunities, but what awaits them is something else entirely.  Some people are taken because they need to pay their "debts" and only then will they be freed which is simply a lie because as they try to pay off their "debts," the person in control keeps on piling up additional charges. Forced labor is when women, men, and children are required to work with no pay and are treated as if they are property instead of human beings. Forced marriages is when women and children are forced to marry against their own will to people they don't even know. Children are often sold into forced marriages and it's common for a woman under 18 years old to get married -  tragic and inhuman. The people who are using their manipulative ways to enslave these innocent human beings are unaware of how wrong it is and it's unfair that these "slaves" have to endure the consequences.

Now that you are aware that slavery still exists, let's unite and lend a helping hand to ones who need us. We need to use our voices to speak up for the ones who can't. Just because you don't see it in your life doesn't mean it isn't happening. While you're at school, a bunch of children and teenagers are being sold and forced to marry, and they desire to get an education and learn. While you’re going to work, there are adults who are trapped and forced to perform labor without any pay. Slavery isn't gone - it's still here. No human being deserves to feel as if they aren't people. Imagine if you were in their shoes? How would you feel if you had to leave your loved ones behind, work all day long with no pay, and live a life where you won't find anything but misery? We need to continue fighting and make slavery come to a stop across the world. You can be a leader too. 

In order for modern slavery to end, people need to spread the word and raise money for charities, contact global hotlines if you know something is wrong, sponsor events, support organizations by donating money.  Do SOMETHING. Even the smallest things you do can change the lives of many people so lend a helping hand and end this nightmare! 

Click the link below to access organizations working to rectify this injustice.

http://allianceagainstmodernslavery.org/organizations_against_modern_slavery