Kokomo Joins the Global Fight Against Human Trafficking
Kokomo will take part in a powerful global movement on Oct. 19 with its annual Walk for Freedom, an event designed to raise awareness about human trafficking and modern-day slavery. Organized by A21, an international nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking, the walk will be one of the hundreds happening in cities across the world, all united in the fight to end exploitation.
Photo Provided | Shenandoah Stipe
The Walk for Freedom is a silent, single-file march where participants, who are dressed in black, walk through their communities to symbolize the millions of people who are trapped in slavery today, many of whom are voiceless and unable to find their way to freedom. By walking in solidarity, organizers say Kokomo residents are joining a global effort to bring visibility to a crime that often goes unnoticed.
Shenandoah Stipe, coordinator of this year’s walk in Kokomo, highlighted the importance of the event and the global reach it has.
“The Reach, Rescue and Rehabilitate program is one of the things A21 does to reach people through education,” Stipe said. “The Walk for Freedom has taken place in over 500 cities as part of a 10-year global event. Everybody wears black and we walk in silence. It’s not a protest—it’s about raising awareness.”
Photo Provided | Walk for Freedom
Stipe reflected on the impact it made locally. “Last year, I did the walk and it was amazing. We had 58 walkers and an additional 20 volunteers and I only had six weeks to plan it,” she said. “This year, I’ve been working on it for three months and we’re looking to have a good turnout.”
The walk, which starts and ends at Fresh Start Ministries (801 W. Mulberry St., Kokomo), will cover a 1.33-mile route through Kokomo. Participants and volunteers alike are encouraged to join the effort to raise awareness and support the fight against human trafficking.
As Kokomo prepares to take part in this global event, it serves as a reminder that awareness is the first step toward change. Together, the community can help shine a light on a dark issue and make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. Click here to learn more.