Last Wednesday, Freedom for All charity held its annual gala at the Top of the Standard, inviting donors and human rights activists to recap on their combined accomplishments throughout the year. Along with Michael Stipe, Nicole Miller, and Princess Beatrice of York in attendance, musician Rhiannon Giddens of the band “Carolina Chocolate Drops” graced the crowd with a few choice songs. Following a heart wrenching speech by a woman liberated from a human trafficking ring, Giddens stepped up to the stage with her banjo, accompanied by only a bassist. The crowd grew solemn at first, with songs touching on the topic of slavery leading off her set. Like the people whose goal it is of Freedom for All to support, the mood gradually lightened as Giddens began to perform uplifting songs about liberation and freedom. The crowd was invited to sing along, and clapping ensued as an a capella piece closed out the night.
In the past year, Freedom for all has rescued over 3,000 people, helped launch an NGO to assist survivors in Cameroon, pulled over 70 children out of slavery in Ghana, as well as launched many more projects based in the the Middle East and the Philippines.
To learn more about FREEDOM FOR ALL or make a donation, visit their website: