“There are currently nearly 30 million slaves around the world,” said Maggie Snead, the president of AIJM and a junior majoring in general studies in human environmental science. “This includes sex trafficking as well as unpaid labor.”
Snead said Atlanta has the highest rate of sex trafficking in the United States.
“We have events throughout the year to make sure people are aware of the issue, as well as raising money that goes directly to IJM,” she said.
AIJM’s first event of the year was a Night of Justice featuring music by Steve Moakler. Hughes said AIJM plans to host another Night of Justice at the beginning of next semester. Hannah-Carole Hughes, the treasurer of AIJM and a junior majoring in mechanical engineering.
“AIJM is important because a lot of people still don’t know slavery exists. We raise awareness on campus and raise funds that are crucial to the work IJM is doing,” Hughes said. “We also come alongside IJM in prayer, praying for IJM to have favor in their work and for slavery to end.”
Snead said although AIJM is a Christian organization and prayer is a huge part of their work, interested students should still come to the meeting even if they do not identify as Christian.
“You do not have to be a Christian to fight slavery, and I encourage anyone to come,” Snead said. “This meeting is open to anyone.”
AIJM will provide cards that those attending the meeting can fill out and send to their respective congressmen.
“These cards have information on the issue of slavery and are meant to inform the congressmen on the issue,” Snead said.
