GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Hundreds of people gathered downtown Grand Rapids—all dressed in black—to raise awareness for the millions human trafficking victims.
The fifth annual A21 Walk for Freedom took place Saturday morning in downtown Grand Rapids. The walk started and ended at Ah-Nab-Awen Park. Organizers say that as those in Grand Rapids gathered, thousands of others gathered all over the world for the global fundraising and awareness event.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were a total of 305 human trafficking cases reported in Michigan in 2017. At the beginning of October, authorities in Wayne County rescued three missing children in a large sweep who were possibly involved in sex trafficking.
"We're coming together because slavery is happening here in Grand Rapids and all across the globe," said Kaitlyn Geers, the organizer of the the West Michigan walk.
The purpose of Saturday's event is to raise awareness for the men, women and children being exploited through sex and labor trafficking and raising funds to free them.
More information about Walk For Freedom and A21 can be found at A21.org/Walk.
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