According to some, an estimated 27 million people worldwide live in bondage. An event planned for the Chelsea Art Museum tomorrow night aims to create awareness for the subject of modern day slavery.
Journalist E. Benjamin Skinner, author of the acclaimed book A Crime So Monstrous, will lead the discussion. Skinner has infiltrated trafficking networks, slave quarries, urban child markets and illegal brothels, often undercover, and in the process he became the first person in history to observe the sales of human beings on four continents.
Brooklyn photographer Jennifer MacFarlane will present her images of Cambodian brothels taken during her extensive travels. Cuban and Haitian beats by drummer John Amira and ‘global electronica’ of GlobeSonic DJ Fabian Alsultany will provide for late night dancing.
As noted by event organizer Janera Soerel of janera.com, the global sex trafficking industry generates an estimated nine to twelve billion U.S. per year dollars. In both developing and developed nations, slaves also work in agriculture, mining and the cotton, steel and computer industries.
Event tickets are $50 at the door (use promo code “I know Jenny” for 10$ off) or $40 online, and can be purchased HERE ). Cocktails begin at 9 p.m.
All proceeds will go to the Somaly Mam Foundation, an organization committed to ending slavery and preventing human trafficking. The Foundation combats this trafficking and rehabilitates victims through employment training and microfinance assistance.
The Chelsea Art Museum is at 556 West 22nd St. This event precedes the United Nations’ two day celebration of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, “Breaking The Silence: Beating The Drum” (23-27 March).
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