About Us
Breaking the Shackles is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that raises awareness about modern slavery through engagement of the college and music community in Athens, Georgia.
Our mission...
Leveraging music as a platform to illuminate slavery. Creating a community of advocates to advance freedom.
Our Vision...
Awareness for the next generation. Freedom for every generation.
Our Philosophy...
In order for oppressed groups to experience justice + freedom, it takes sacrifice on behalf of non-oppressed people: sacrifice of funds, sacrifice of platform, and sacrifice of time.
Why We Are
THE FACTS
HERE'S THE TRUTH:
No, slavery did not end with the abolition in the 19th century. Yes, slavery does still exist in many forms today.
- 20-30 million people are trapped in some sort of slavery today.
- Slavery generates over $150 billion PER YEAR.
- And about 1 in 5 victims of slavery is a child, with an average age of 12-14 years old.
Types of Slavery
Sex Trafficking: When someone is taken away from their home or family and transported to another city or country, typically under false promises of new opportunities and a better life. Victims are stripped of their identities and then forced to work against their will. Victims are forced, deceived, or coercing a person to perform a commercial sex act.
Forced Labor: Any work or service an individual is forced to do, against their will, under the threat of punishment, with little to no pay.
Bonded Labor: Victims are born into slavery, forced to pay a loan, sometimes from generations before them. These people are often indebted through deception and a system stacked against them.
Domestic Servitude: The practice of live-in help that is used as a cover for exploitation and control of someone, usually from another country.
Child Soldiers: Children (under the age of 18) who are used for military purpose.