Montclair Public Library Presents Community Event

THE ARTS AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING

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On Saturday, October 28 at Montclair Public Library, Stability I, Inc. and its Teen Auxiliary Committee will present “The Arts Against Human Trafficking," a community event to help combat human trafficking. This event is projected to be one of the most groundbreaking events of the season, combining art, music, and education to help partakers learn what human trafficking looks like, and what they can do to help save lives.

“Human trafficking isn’t just what you see on TV,” says event coordinator Patricia Middleton. “In America, we have a huge disconnect about human trafficking. People think this is something that happens elsewhere in other countries, to other people, when our own children aren’t safe. It is happening around us on a daily basis. Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal activity in the world and one of the most lucrative. Radical and effective primary prevention and intervention must be taken to a new level in challenging the community to rise up against this atrocity.”

From 1 to 5 p.m., amazingly talented musicians, singers, artists and guest keynote speaker Esny Sharpe of the Bessie Mae Women & Family Health Center will gather to bring awareness to the epidemic of human trafficking all over the world, and in our own community. Music performances will include Philios Band & Michelle Jane, and international jazz-gospel sensation Theresa Thomason. An art installation will feature commissioned works by painter Cathleen McCoy-Bristol, illustrator Lynne St. Clare Foster, Anne Dushanko Dobek, Nette Forne-Thomas and other artists.

While all are welcome, please note the subject matter may be somber and/or triggering, and supervision of children in attendance is highly recommended. Light refreshments will be served.

Additional venues are being sought in communities across Essex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. If anyone is interested in taking a stand against human trafficking, a screening of a film excerpt and a short discussion can be organized in your area. For questions and/or further information, please contact Patricia Middleton at (732) 367-4268 or via email: stabilityi@juno.com.