As the new executive director at Free the Slaves, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the values that motivate me in the historic struggle to end slavery forever. They are values that drive all efforts to foster social justice. I am certain they are things that you value too, because freedom and dignity and acceptance and self-determination are universal values.
I grew up in a small town in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where thousands of children were enslaved as soldiers at mines to generate money for warlords. I am thankful that my parents were able to send me away to university. When I returned home, I dedicated my life to serving others. I helped put a Congolese warlord in jail, I’ve helped women enslaved as maids in the Middle East, and now I am helping my colleagues at Free the Slaves to liberate entire communities from slavery around the world.
As Thanksgiving approaches, I am thankful for the opportunity to lead one of the best-known and most-effective anti-slavery organizations in the world. As the holiday season unfolds over the next few weeks, you will be hearing from our courageous front-line activists about the many ways in which their values change lives.
And of course, we value your support. It makes our work possible. Together, we will make history.
