PELHAM – Freedom Trade International and the A21 Campaign are teaming up to host the first Walk for Freedom in the city of Pelham on Saturday, Oct. 14. According to a press release from A21, the purpose of the walk is to raise awareness for human trafficking.

“By fundraising and rallying thousands of people around the cause, the belief is that this event will be the catalyst for the rescue and restoration of human beings who are being exploited as commodities,” the press release read.

Freedom Trade International founder Wendy Taylor said walkers will meet at the sports complex near the Pelham Parks and Recreation building at 10 a.m. After a briefing about the current state of human trafficking, walkers will make their way down the shoulder of U.S. 31.

During the rally, participants will walk in a single-file line while wearing black shirts, black pants and yellow bandanas with the name of a person who is currently trapped in slavery across their mouths.

“Participants will walk in a silent, single-file line as they personify a slave without a voice,” Taylor said. “Signs will be carried with various statistics and facts concerning human trafficking.”

Representatives and volunteers from Freedom Trade International will be present at the walk to answer questions and educate walkers on how they can get involved in raising awareness and fighting human trafficking.

Taylor said the event in Pelham is just one of 300 Walks for Freedom throughout the world.

“This is the fourth annual Walk for Freedom organized globally by the A21 Campaign. We are proud to partner with them and host this walk in Pelham,” Taylor said.

Details about registration and more information about Walk for Freedom can be found at A21.org/Pelham or on the “Walk for Freedom” Pelham Facebook page.

“We are utterly convinced that slavery can be eradicated in our lifetime,” A21 founder Christine Caine said. “Walk for Freedom is definitely one of the most impacting things that we can do at A21. It is a tangible, practical and doable thing for every single person. All of us can put our feet on the pavement and use our steps to make a difference.”