Red Sand Project 2024

On July 29, our Chamber Staff took part in the #RedSandProject – an interactive art exhibition, pioneered by artist Molly Gochman. The project works to raise awareness of human trafficking through a symbolic approach. Participants use bright red sand to fill the cracks of sidewalks. Each grain of sand represents a victim of human trafficking who has fallen through the symbolic cracks of society.

The exhibition is open to the public. Those who wish to participate may stop by the Wilson County Courthouse or the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce this week to pick up their own natural, non-toxic red sand. Participants are encouraged to post photos using the hashtags #RedSandProject and#RedSandTN to further spread awareness and combat human trafficking across the globe. We are proud of the effort that our community has put into combatting this heartbreaking reality and hope that our efforts may shine a light on a brighter tomorrow.

For more information on human trafficking visit humantraffickinghotline.org. If you know someone who needs help to escape trafficking, contact the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text 233722, can also provide information on local community resources. For more information about local resources, visit trust-yourself.org/, www.reststopministries.org/, and operationlightshine.org/.

Thank you to Randall Hutto, Wilson County Mayor, City of Lebanon, TN – Government Mayor Rick Bell, Mt. Juliet Mayor James Maness, and Watertown Mayor Mike Jennings for spreading awareness through a proclamation signed in Partnership with TN Dept of Health, along with the support of local businesses and organizations.

Pictured left to right:

• Sara Perry – Marketing & Communications
• Stephanie Hollis – Support Admin
• Caitlin Watson – Office Coordinator
• Andrea Wilke – VP Membership & Finance
• Melanie Minter – President & CEO