U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking Announces Partnership with Strike Out Slavery to Educate and Equip the Baseball Community About Modern-Day Slavery Anti-trafficking organizations partner with New York Mets, Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Angels for free post-game concerts featuring Grammy award-winning recording artist Ms. Lauryn Hill.
TAMPA, Fla., May 15, 2019 – The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT) announces its partnership with Strike Out Slavery to help expand its mission of educating baseball fans about modern-day slavery at three MLB games in 2019.
In addition to the Los Angeles Angels and first baseman Albert Pujols’ involvement, Strike Out Slavery is partnering with the Kansas City Royals and pitcher Brad Keller as well as the New York Mets and second baseman Robinson Canó to host awareness festivals and postgame concerts featuring GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter and rapper, Ms. Lauryn Hill.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Strike Out Slavery to educate and equip the baseball community on the realities of modern-day slavery,” said Kevin Malone, president and co-founder of the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking and former general manager of the LA Dodgers. “Baseball fans are passionate, fiercely loyal and embody what is great about this country. I am confident that they will stand with us to combat and end this horrific crime.”
Deidre Pujols, wife of Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols, created Strike Out Slavery in 2017 after learning that children and adults are being forced into labor and sex trafficking, which enslaves more than 40 million people in 167 countries. They knew that if Major League Baseball teams, players and fans joined them, Strike Out Slavery could spread awareness about modern-day slavery and help an international network of nonprofit organizations rally against it. Two years later, Strike Out Slavery continues to expand as more players take a stand against modern-day slavery, enabling the message that ‘enough is enough’ to reach legions of baseball fans across the nation, even the world.
“The more I learn about the insidious and inhumane crimes of modern-day slavery, the more my
passion increases to raise awareness and get the public involved,” said Deidre Pujols. “The
momentum we are gaining through this campaign is powerful, and I am inspired to see baseball
fans across the nation taking action.”
Fans attending the games in each of the three ballparks will be treated to free postgame performances by Ms. Hill, who adds a strong voice to the initiative, with chart-topping hits, as well as socially powerful commentary in songs like “I Get Out,” which has served as inspiration to many in the human trafficking survivor community.
“Modern-day slavery will end when every sector of society plays a role in making that happen,” said Geoff Rogers, CEO and co-founder of the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking. “To have the baseball community join the fight to abolish modern-day slavery means we’re one step closer to achieving that goal.”
USIAHT will have an informational booth at all three games.
To learn more about USIAHT and its work to end sex trafficking in the United States, visit
https://usiaht.org. To purchase tickets for the games, visit https://www.strikeoutslavery.com/.
About USIAHT…
The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT) is a faith-based, non-profit organization fighting human trafficking in America. We work to prevent trafficking by combating demand in new and innovative ways, raising awareness, influencing policy, educating our youth and disrupting trafficking activities. We seek to rescue and rehabilitate victims by collaborating with organizations that are expert at rescuing abducted youth currently engaged in the sex trade. We also collaborate with federal, state and local government officials. With offices in Tampa, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Austin, we are addressing the national problem and also providing on-the-ground services. To learn more, go to https://usiaht.org.
About Strike Out Slavery…
Strike Out Slavery was created by Albert and Deidre Pujols in 2017 with the goal of raisin awareness about the existence of modern-day slavery and raising support for major organizations fighting this insidious crime internationally. Modern-day slavery is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, generating $150 billion annually, and enslaving more than 40 million people in 167 countries. It is estimated that 60,000-400,000 victims are enslaved in the United States alone. The United Nations Women for Peace Association (UNWFPA) recognized Albert and Deidre Pujols with the Humanitarian Award in February 2019 for their efforts to combat human trafficking through Strike Out Slavery. In 2019, Strike Out Slavery is partnering with the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, and Los Angeles Angels to host Strike Out Slavery Days, extending awareness about human trafficking from coast to coast. For more information, visit www.strikeoutslavery.com.
