Browns head coach Hue Jackson is establishing a foundation that supports organizations battling human trafficking.
Jackson, who enters his second season in Cleveland, will launch the Hue Jackson Foundation July 20 at the team's Berea headquarters. The news was announced Tuesday afternoon.
"The Hue Jackson Foundation is committed to empowering children, teen and adult victims of Human Trafficking through the funding of organizations that champion for and serve as a voice for those who are exploited," the news release read.
"Coach Jackson, and his wife, Michelle, created the Hue Jackson Foundation for reasons dear to their hearts. Parents of three daughters, they are dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations that embolden and offer hope to victims of sexual exploitation and coercion. The foundation will focus its efforts to further awareness, prevention and healing for victims of this crime.
"Victims of Human Trafficking have been robbed of their autonomy and self-respect by traffickers that use violence, physical and emotional coercion, fraud, debt bondage and other means to subjugate their victims and exploit them for sex and labor commerce. These victims can be children, teens or adults, male or female, of any race or ethnic group. Human Trafficking happens in cities and suburbs, in rural and urban areas, in lower income and upper income neighborhoods, on the streets and in the suburbs."
Human trafficking cases in Ohio are some of the highest in the nation, according to the National Human Trafficking Resource center in Washington, D.C.
In addition to Jackson, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is among several community leaders scheduled to speak at the launch.
