Red Sand Project raising awareness of human trafficking victims underway in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Some Tennesseans might be seeing red sand in cracks in sidewalks soon as a new human trafficking campaign gets underway.

It's all part of an interactive art exhibit to raise awareness of human trafficking called the Red Sand Project.

Officials say on average, a child is bought or sold for sex every two minutes in the U.S. The average age of that child bought or sold is only 13 years old. Human Trafficking is the second-fastest growing criminal industry, just behind Drug Trafficking, officials said.

Last year, there were 180 cases reported reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline in Tennessee. More than 90 organizations are partnering with the Tennessee Department of Health on this effort this year.

The art exhibits showcase red sand that's spread in sidewalk cracks, bringing attention to those who have "fallen through the cracks" in society.

"Due to COVID-19, participants in events in their neighborhoods, office groups and respective spaces around the state will practice social distancing and other precautions while pouring red sand in the cracks sidewalks in areas with high foot traffic, to symbolize human trafficking victims that “fall between the cracks," TDH said.

End Slavery Tennessee said installations have taken place in 70 counties around the world and toolkits send to 1 million people. An estimated 40.3 million are being trafficked worldwide.

Several local events are planned to spread the Red Sand Project across Tennessee.

  • Brentwood: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30 at Western Express, 7100 Commerce Way, Brentwood, TN 37138.

  • Clarksville: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30 at 215 Legion StreetClarksville, TN, 37040

  • Hendersonville: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, August 1 at the Hendersonville Public Library

  • Clarksville Riverfest 2020: The Clarksville Community Group will be using leftover sand from this year’s Red Sand Project to make necklaces.

Help for Victims:

There are resources available for victims of human trafficking on their path to becoming survivors.

Text “TN” to 741741 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor to get help for many topics, including suicidal thoughts and depression, eating disorders and human trafficking.

Victims can also call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 855-558-6484 or text "BeFree" to 233722.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline can be reached at 888-373-7888.

Learn more at ItHasToStop.com

Caitlin Reed