Midland College hosted the Blue Sand Event on January 23, at the Scharbauer Student Center in Midland, Texas. The event was organized in collaboration with the Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center (MRCCAC) to raise awareness about human trafficking during Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
"Midland College officially designates January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month," Dr. Damon Kennedy, president of Midland College, said at the event.
Following the proclamation, participants poured blue sand into the cracks of sidewalks, symbolizing the hidden nature of trafficking victims and the community's commitment to preventing individuals from "falling through the cracks."
Pamela Hyde, MRCCAC Executive Director, also spoke and called for community and individual action to address human trafficking.
It is estimated that there are more than 300,000 victims of human trafficking in the state of Texas, including nearly 79,000 minors and youth subjected to sex trafficking, according totThe Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault at The University of Texas at Austin.
This initiative was part of the Texas-wide Blue Sand Project, which highlights human trafficking issues across the state. The event was free and open to the public, encouraging community participation in raising awareness and supporting efforts to combat exploitation.
For more information, individuals were encouraged to contact the MRCCAC or visit their website for additional resources.