Strike Out Slavery Expands Reach in Third Year to Raise Awareness About Modern-Day Slavery
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif., (April 22, 2019) – Strike Out Slavery is expanding its mission of educating baseball fans about modern-day slavery by 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. In addition, Strike Out Slavery will return to Angel Stadium for the third annual Strike Out Slavery with first baseman Albert Pujols. 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.
“The fact that human trafficking exists in the 21st century is unconscionable and cannot be tolerated by any society that considers itself to be advanced, let alone, just,” said Ms. Lauryn Hill. “That vulnerable members of the human family are still preyed upon and subjected to such egregious violations against free will is an unacceptable reality that must absolutely and utterly end.”
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.
Earlier this year, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association committed $500,000 through 2021 to Strike Out Slavery and other nonprofits focused on efforts to stop human trafficking. The United Nations Women for Peace Association (UNWFPA) also recognized Albert and Deidre Pujols with the Humanitarian Award in February 2019 for their efforts to combat human trafficking through Strike Out Slavery.
“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.”
Strike Out Slavery continues to partner with leading nonprofit organizations in its global alliance that includes 27 Million, A21 Campaign, Agape International Missions, Exodus Cry, F.R.E.E. International, International Justice Mission, International Sanctuary, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Open Gate International, Polaris and Vision Rescue. It has expanded the alliance to include two additional organizations, The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking and Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice, focused on education efforts specifically addressing the issue of demand for both sex and labor human trafficking.
New York Mets and Second Baseman Robinson Canó Join Fight Against Modern-Day Slavery
The Mets have joined forces with Strike Out Slavery, with Canó serving as their player ambassador, rallying fans to attend Strike Out Slavery on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Citi Field.
“When I founded my own foundation, RC24 Foundation, serving disadvantaged youth in my home of the Dominican Republic, I saw firsthand the impact we can make when we gather around a cause,” said Canó. “Bringing Strike Out Slavery to Mets fans will undeniably shed light on the issue of modern-day slavery.”
The day will begin with a pregame awareness festival held in front of Citi Field in Flushing, N.Y. Here, fans can interact with global and local nonprofit organizations fighting the human trafficking trade, receive important safety information, and participate in family-friendly activities and giveaways.
Following the 7:15 p.m. EDT game, all fans will be invited to stay for a free concert featuring Ms. Hill.
Kansas City Royals and Pitcher Brad Keller Will Bring Awareness About Modern-Day Slavery to Fans in Missouri
Pitcher Brad Keller will serve as the player ambassador for the Kansas City Royals, who are hosting Strike Out Slavery on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019.
“I grew up in the Atlanta area and learned about the realities of human trafficking,” Keller said. “It’s a very real and scary issue. Since coming to the Royals, I’ve come to love Kansas City, but also know that trafficking goes on here, too, as it does everywhere. I’m so very proud to be a part of an organization that wants to shed a light on this issue and the work of Strike Out Slavery.”
The pregame festival will be held at Kauffman Stadium before the 6:15 p.m. CDT game, open to all ticketholders, with a free postgame concert featuring Ms. Hill.
Kansas City Royals will be hosting a press conference with players Brad Keller and Albert Pujols on Friday, April 26 at 1:00 p.m. at Kauffman Stadium.
Los Angeles Angels Return for a Third Year with First Baseman Albert Pujols
“I am proud to be representing the Angels in our third year of this initiative,” said Pujols. “I have seen Angels fans get behind Strike Out Slavery and I know that as more players and teams support this cause, we’ll be able expand our reach even further as we rally baseball fans to fight against the worldwide issue of modern-day slavery.”
The Los Angeles Angels will hold their pregame festival and postgame concert at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, open to all ticketholders. Ms. Hill will also perform at Angel Stadium following the 6:07 p.m. PDT game and fireworks show.
To learn about the issue of human trafficking, Strike Out Slavery’s upcoming events at baseball stadiums, and the leading nonprofit organizations fighting against the issue, visit www.strikeoutslavery.com.
Media Contact: Emilie Perkins at (714) 747-5854 or Emilie@reveilleinc.com.
About Strike Out Slavery
Strike Out Slavery was created by Albert and Deidre Pujols in 2017 with the goal of raising 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.
###