Not For Sale

Pre-seminary

Not everyone thinks of slavery as a big issue anymore. Maybe back in 1859, when Adrian College was founded as an abolitionist college. But now?

Try telling that to the 27 million people currently living in slavery throughout the world.

In keeping with Adrian College’s abolitionist tradition, the Chaplain's Office at Adrian College has stepped forward to organize on-campus awareness of human trafficking. The Chaplain's Office plans on hosting several events throughout the school year for students, faculty, staff and the Adrian community to get involved with the Not For Sale campaign.

In 2009, the “Not for Sale” organization held its first ever international "Abolitionist Academy" at Adrian College. Members of the Abolitionist Academy invited the public to join them in the fight against human trafficking and slavery. This three-day event provided education, training and networking opportunities needed to successfully lead an anti-human trafficking movement in all areas. 

Since that Abolitionist Academy, we have worked to make Michigan's laws more effective in the fight against human trafficking. We have raised funds for a home in Thailand that welcomes child survivors of trafficking and restored the grave site of an early American abolitionist who continues to inspire us today. We instituted a new class at Adrian College, "Human Trafficking: Reality and Response." We have made presentations in Washington, D.C. before White House staff and other government leaders.We have taken our message to the streets in parades and educational events. You can be an abolitionist, too! 

Rev. David Hills, Adrian alum, holds the
Rev. David Hills, Adrian alum, holds the "Freedom Chain." This orange paper chain has 2,700 links to represent the 27 million people held as slaves today. Each small link represents 10,000 people.
Students install new fence around the grave of Adrian-area abolitionist, Elizabeth Chandler. This project was part of the
Students install new fence around the grave of Adrian-area abolitionist, Elizabeth Chandler. This project was part of the "Human Trafficking" course taught by Dr. Chris Momany.
Students of the
Students of the "Not for Sale Campaign" get word out during the Adrian College Homecoming Parade using a pickup truck, speaker system, orange candy, and educational flyers.
Students visit the home of American writer, Harriet Beecher Stowe, in Cincinnati. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote the famous antislavery novel,
Students visit the home of American writer Harriet Beecher Stowe in Cincinnati. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote the famous antislavery novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Students then visited the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in downtown Cincinnati.