The Red Sand Project

Red Sand Project Brings Light to Human Trafficking From May 9 - May 12, 2017, Blackburn Center’s RED SAND PROJECT will make its debut at the Westmoreland County Courthouse in Greensburg. The Red Sand Project is an art installation, created by artist Molly Gochman, which seeks to raise awareness about human trafficking by asking volunteers across the world to place red sand in the cracks of sidewalks. The grains of sand represent the millions of victims of human trafficking who slip through the “cracks” of our society and go unnoticed. Men and women, families, community leaders, professionals, survivors, students, and residents from across Westmoreland County are invited to show support for this cause by helping to place the sand in the cracks of the sidewalks surrounding Westmoreland County Courthouse and the Courthouse Square . Organized for Westmoreland County by Blackburn Center, this moving event supports the agency’s call to action in the community to end violence. Red Sand Project provides an opportunity for county residents to stand together and shine a light on this covert crime. WHO and WHAT: Blackburn Center’s advocates will partner with community volunteers who are committed to raise awareness of human trafficking by joining in this project. Everyone is encouraged to participate! If you are unable to help with the installation and/or removal of sand, please visit the courthouse when the art installation is in place and show your support of this project by posting a picture on social media with this hashtag #RedSandProjectGbg. WHEN and WHERE: Red Sand Project is scheduled to be installed by volunteers on May 9 at 5:00 PM, meeting in front of Westmoreland County Courthouse. The sand will remain in the sidewalks through May 12, when volunteers will remove it at 5:00 PM. Rain dates for the project are May 16, 2017 for installation and May 19, 2017 for removal. Moving WHY: Human trafficking is a heinous crime that enslaves an average of 21 million people a year worldwide. Victims are exploited for either sex or labor, sometimes both. The public, who either do not believe that human trafficking exists or do not know how they can help, often overlooks victims. Victims fall through the cracks of the system when service providers and the justice system do not recognize the experiences of these victims. Many victims of human trafficking end up jailed or returning to their traffickers. Red Sand Project hopes to bring to light these victims, and invites persons from all professions and lifestyles to learn how they can work to eradicate modern-day slavery. HOW: Contact Abigail at 724-837-9540, X 130 if you would like to join in placing the sand on May 9th, and/or uninstalling it on May 12th. Snacks and water will be provided to volunteers. Although supplies will be available to install and uninstall the sand, Blackburn Center is in need of Shop Vacuums to assist in the removal process. If you are unable to volunteer, but still want to take part, stop by Westmoreland County Courthouse between May 10 and May 12 to view the art installation, and tag your picture with #RedSandProjectGbg. The Red Sand Project serves two purposes: it will unite the community in positive action, while bringing awareness to the needs of victims of trafficking, worldwide and right here in Westmoreland County. Please join Blackburn Center in taking a stand to end human trafficking.