Lincoln inspiring today's anti-slave activists
February 27th, 2013
01:14 PM ET

Lincoln inspiring today's anti-slave activists

In his acceptance speech after winning the 2013 Oscar for best actor Daniel Day-Lewis acknowledged "the mysteriously beautiful mind, body and spirit of Abraham Lincoln."

There was applause from the audience. It was a celebration of Day-Lewis's talent and performance as the 16th U.S. president. But in a sublime way, it was also a celebration of Lincoln himself - his life, his words and his actions, most notably his fight against slavery.

One organization is trying to connect the historical Lincoln with the issue of modern day slavery.

Lincoln fought to end slavery 150 years ago. But how can we follow his lead to put this practice to an end for good? FULL POST

U.S. states of play in anti-trafficking laws
The Polaris Project map splits the U.S. into four tiers, one being the best, based on anti-trafficking measures.
August 8th, 2012
01:52 PM ET

U.S. states of play in anti-trafficking laws

The state of Massachusetts was named among the most improved in the U.S. in 2012 after it passed wide-ranging anti-human trafficking laws.

A report published by Polaris Project, one of the leading organizations in the global fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery, rated and placed all 50 states plus the District of Columbia in one of four tiers based on the human trafficking laws in the state.

South Carolina, West Virginia and Ohio were also rated 'most improved' for taking concrete steps to address human trafficking. Of those states, Massachusetts was singled out for particular praise as it is now also ranked in the top four states having the strongest legal framework.

FULL POST