Modern slavery is defined as forced labour, debt bondage, forced marriage, and human trafficking. Essentially, it refers to situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, and/or abuse of power.

It’s estimated that over 40 million adults are victims of modern slavery, and 150 million children are subject to child labor.

Langston Hughes (1902-1967) was born on the 37^th anniversary of the day Abraham Lincoln signed the 13^th Amendment: “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” Hughes became an American poet, novelist, short story writer, non-fiction writer, and playwright. He was a major figure of the Harlem Renaissance in New York.

To read “Remember” by Langston Hughes click: