Anna Italiano

Staff writer

With the help of the non-profit organization, Not For Sale, students on campus are raising awareness about the 30 million people enslaved from human trafficking. Athletic teams, businesses and universities around the world are fighting for freedom.

Abi Braly, junior accounting major and member of Not For Sale, said their mission is to provide awareness and prevent human trafficking.

“Our mission is to end slavery in our lifetime by empowering people to join the fight against human trafficking,” said Braly.

According to notforsale.org, males and females are manipulated or sold to undercover brothels where people pay money to abuse the slaves physically and emotionally in order for them to obey their commands.

Some students’ eyes were opened to the issue recently at the Passion Conference.

“It wasn’t until I went to Passion, a Christian conference, where I found out that there are currently 30 million people enslaved. This is the largest amount of slaves in the world throughout history,” said Braly.

Dani Fairbairn, sophomore international studies major and president of Not For Sale, is passionate about this issue.

“We are really focusing on getting the word out so that people are aware that it’s also a problem here in the United States. Atlanta is one of the biggest hubs for human trafficking,” said Fairbairn.

According to Georgia Governor’s Office for Children and Families, Atlanta was named by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as one of 14 U.S. cities with the highest rate of child prostitution.

To raise awareness, the group is doing numerous fundraisers. You can find the members carrying bright orange buckets every day around campus for donations.

“Some of the money raised will go toward equipping police officers to train and know the signs and how to arrest the correct people,” said Richard Hyde, junior history education major and Not For Sale member.

Not For Sale is planning a night of awareness, which will be a prayer and worship night for others to learn more about the cause.

“We are also planning a movie night where we will show a documentary that will educate viewers,” said Fairbairn.

Not For Sale is also taking part in Fast For Freedom.

“Fast For Freedom is a time where members are fasting and praying for the victims of human trafficking,” said Braly. “We meet every day in the front circle at 3 p.m. for a time of prayer and devotion. Fast For Freedom is during Lent and will end on Easter.”

If you are interested in becoming a member of Not For Sale, or have other questions, you can contact Bricey Bradshaw at bricey.bradshaw@hotmail.com and like the Not For Sale at Shorter University Facebook page.

Andrew Edenfield (“Mr. Congeniality”) (from left), Thad Mathis (talent show winner), Seth Clark (“Best Legs”),Quay Boddie (2012 Big Man on Campus), Jonathan Rodriguez (second runner-up) and Jonny Sitton (first runner-up) recently received individual awards at ZTA’s BMOC.

Andrew Edenfield

Staff writer

Zeta Tau Alpha recently hosted their annual Big Man on Campus event to benefit their philanthropy, breast cancer education and awareness.

This year’s Big Man on Campus winner was contestant No. 12 Quay Boddie. Jonny Sitton, contestant No. 11, won first runner-up and Jonathan Rodriguez, contestant No. 6, won second runner-up.

Big Man on Campus gives men the chance to show they have what it takes to compete like the women on campus.

The pageant is a nationwide event for ZTA Chapters.

“It is a great opportunity to raise money for the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation, where all proceeds will benefit breast cancer education and awareness,” said junior history and political science major and president April Croft.

The theme of BMOC was Boy Bands from the 90’s and there were a total of 12 contestants. The men performed an opening dance number then moved on to the three categories: sportswear, Think pink! and formal wear. The contest also included an optional talent show.

“There were also two additional categories for the men: ‘best legs’ and ‘Mr. Congeniality,’” said Cheryl Culp, senior general studies major and Big Man coordinator.

Boddie enjoyed the event and believes he could not have won without help.

“It feels great [to be Big Man]– all glory goes to God,” said Boddie. “I’m nothing without him shedding his grace and mercy on my life.”

Seth Clark, contestant No. 3, won “best legs” and Andrew Edenfield, contestant No. 4, won “Mr. Congeniality. Contestant No. 10 Thad Mathis won the talent show portion.

Zeta Tau Alpha raised about $500 from BMOC.