Human trafficking is modern-day slavery

Mention slavery and most people automatically think back to the dark stain on America's history that courageous people fought to overcome and won. Most do not think of the slavery that still exists today in the form of human trafficking. That's why Hannah Harmon of Perryville, Missouri, is doing her part to bring light to this evil and to defeat it.

The United States Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as "a modern-day form of slavery involving the illegal trade of people for exploitation or commercial gain." The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime adds that it includes "prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs."

This is a deplorable practice and deserves the attention people and organizations give to it. As Americans in particular, it's easy to get caught up in our own lives and boast of the freedoms we enjoy, failing to recognize that adults and children have been deprived of those same freedoms -- both here and abroad.

Harmon, 21, is committed to being part of the solution, rather than being silent of burying her head in the sand. She has found a unique, healthy way to make a difference. As the Southeast Missourian's Lindsay Jones recently reported, Harmon has waged what she calls a "Revolution of Love." She is bicycling from Fruitland Community Church to 37 states, covering more than 13,000 miles. The tour will last six months as part of a ministry called Riding Against Traffic.

"Her goal in all of those places will be to speak out against sex and labor trafficking, which affect millions of victims around the world," Jones wrote. Part of that will be drawing attention to the signs of victims. "One thing to look out for, she said, is when girls who are loners suddenly acquire money and an older boyfriend." Low self-esteem tends to attract traffickers to pimps, and these vulnerable girls are given drugs and forced into the trade, which includes both sex and labor trafficking.

As Harmon rides to make a difference, people are donating through GoFundMe to assist with food and lodging, and some volunteers are housing and feeding her themselves. Every donation, every housing accommodation, every prayer helps. Human trafficking has no place in our world, and a revolution of love is certainly needed to expose and eradicate it. History teaches us that when people care, just as with the slavery of old, we can confront evil and win.