WILLIAMSBURG — Walk for Freedom, a global event that raises awareness and support for fighting human trafficking, is making a return to Williamsburg on Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. in Midtown Row.
The walk is organized locally by made, Co. owner Holly Webb in collaboration with A21, a nonprofit organization whose sole focus is to help fight human trafficking worldwide by raising awareness and funds, as well as providing resources for survivors of human trafficking.
“It’s [Walk for Freedom] with an organization called A21, which is the largest anti-trafficking organization in the world right now,” said Webb in an interview with WYDaily. “Every year in October, cities all around the world hold walks. I think last year they had walks in over 500 cities.”
One unique aspect of this event is that it is a silent walk. This means that the participants walk about 2 1/2 miles in single file and in silence to show their support for survivors and those still affected by human trafficking.
“It’s not a protest, it’s just a walk to raise awareness,” said Webb. “So they [A21] ask that people wear all black to just be able to stand in solidarity with those that are survivors and those that are still trafficked.”
Local organizations that will be represented at the walk include:
- Latisha’s House
- Freedom 424
- WJCC Foster Care
- We are The Echo
- Virginia Coalition Against Human Trafficking
- made
- Fight the New Drug
“We try to have organizations that are addressing all the different issues,” said Webb. “These organizations are addressing rescue, such as rescuing women and men and children out of trafficking, but then also we have organizations that are putting in place law. There’s a new organization in Williamsburg called the Warrior Protection Association, which is all about resourcing families and parents with things to be aware of for their kids. So preventative and education are also aspects.”
For the past four years, the event was held in Colonial Williamsburg but this year, it will be held in MidTown Row to focus more on the local audience in Williamsburg.
“It’s about 2 1/2 miles,” said Webb. “It’s going to be primarily down Richmond Road, we’ll leave around Midtown Row in the Village Green area, which is where we’ll be gathering initially. Then we will walk from there, all the way down Richmond Road, past the High Street area, and then we’ll come back.”
Walk For Freedom helps raise money for both A21 and local anti-trafficking organizations. Last year, the Williamsburg Walk For Freedom raised around $5,000, Webb says.
For more information on Williamsburg Walk For Freedom, please check out the official event page on A21’s website.
