California

This past week I was given the opportunity to travel to LA with my internship staff Free the Slaves. The occasion being the 2009 Freedom Awards which celebrate heroes of the anti-slavery movement from around the world. These awards are open to organizations and individuals working to eradicate human trafficking and modern-day slavery. This experience was so valuable and empowering to me. Some of those honored were:


Sina Vann
Fredrick Douglass Award Winner

Sina is a former sex slave from Phnom Penh, Cambodia who now goes back to the brothels to help sex slaves escape, and to provide health advice for those unable to break free.






Veero
Frederick Douglass Award

Veero is a former bonded labor slave from Pakistan who now collaborates with Pakistani police force to rescue other bonded slaves.




I can't really explain just how amazing it was to see these women accept awards for such triumphant acts. To learn more about the 2009 Freedom Awards and others who where honored click here.

Many celebrities came to honor the great efforts of the awards winners as well such as, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Camilla Belle, Emmitt Smith, Maurice Greene, Alex Band, Quddus, Katie Ford and others. I was very much excited when I was able to hang out in the VIP lounge with all of these people. Unfortunately pictures were prohibited. Below are a couple pictures that I was able to find online.