Call + Response Documentary

Nathan — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:18:37 +0000

Did you know that there are more slaves today than there were during the days when Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation? In fact there are some 27 million men, women, boys and girls that are being trafficked for labor, sex and profit. And this isn’t just in the third world countries where poverty rules the day. In fact 17, 500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the U.S. every year. When I first learned about this I could hardly believe it. This shocking truth was first revealed to me 2 years ago after reading a book by then 14-year old Zach Hunter, who after learning that slavery still exists started a campaign he called Loose Change to Loosen Chains where he asked his classmates to give all of their change that they had in the pocket to help free modern day slaves. In just the first two weeks he raised $6,000 at his high school. And through his efforts of bringing it to many different schools accross the country has raised countless more. I was blown away and have used this kid’s story to encourage kids and help them understand that they truly can make a difference if they put their mind to it.

Well I just recently read about another guy who was disturbed by the number of modern day slaves their are in this world and wanted to do something about it. Musician Justin Dillon and Fair Trade Pictures decided the best way to for them to make a difference was through their new documentary Call + Response, which hit theaters in October. Call + Respones “goes deep undercover where slavery is thriving from the child brothels of Cambodia to the slave brick kilns of rural India to reveal that in 2007, Slave Traders made more money than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.” And he brings us these shocking truths along with a stellar soundtrack from numerous Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed artists including Talib Kweli, Matisyahu, Cold War Kids, and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal. These talented artists help move this “chilling information into inspiration for stopping it.” This is the kind of thing that I believe music should be about. It should be about revealing truth and about bringing forth change. So please check this film out and let it change you. And please listen to these great songs, but if you like them, please don’t just rip them off my site. Please go to Itunes and buy them off the soundtrack. Because all profit from the film, dvd, and soundtrack go to different non-profit organizations that are helping to fight slavery such as International Justice Mission.

Cold War Kids – We Used to Vacation

Emmanuel Jal – War Child

Matisyahu – Indestructible

I Hope Your Ears Bleed » justin dillon

Call + Response Documentary