Paris, Tenn.–Henry County officials, educators, and law enforcement last week participated in the Red Sand Project, a public art project designed to shed light on human trafficking victims who fall between the cracks.
In informal ceremonies through the week, red sand was poured on the sidewalk outside the Henry County Courthouse, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, local agencies, schools and local businesses and the Eiffel Tower in Paris was illuminated red for three nights.
Community partners who participated included representatives of the Henry County Mayor’s Office, Henry County Health Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, Henry County Clerk’s Office, Paris Police Department, Henry County School System, Allegro Fine Foods, Carl Perkins Center, Kalon Hair Studio, Tomorrow’s Hope Pregnancy Center, City of Paris Parks and Recreation, and Henry County Medical Center.
Although Tennessee has been nationally acknowledged for our continuous efforts and improvements, human trafficking continues to remain a major public health concern in our communities. In 2019, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 11,500 trafficking situations, with 180 cases reported in Tennessee.
If you are a victim or need to report a suspected human trafficking case, please use the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.
Top Photo: Henry County Schools Director Dr. Leah Watkins, principals and other local educators pour red sand outside Patriot Stadium last week. (Henry County Schools photo).
Paris Police and Carl Perkins Center staff pour red sand at the Carl Perkins Center.