CAST, the organization whose sole mission is to end modern slavery through education, advocacy and empowering survivors of human trafficking, announced this year’s gala honorees. The awards annual fundraising event will take place on May 23rd at the California African American Museum.

Among the recipients of the Changemaker Award are Academy Award Nominee Yalitza Aparicio, and Alfonso Cuarón and Netflix’s Roma producers.

Aparicio is being praised for the “trait that was beautifully portrayed by the Mexican actor in Roma, and in her personal journey as an indigenous woman facing bias with grace and strength.”

“When survivors of human trafficking at CAST watched Roma, so many of Yalitza’s scenes deeply resonated with them,” stated Kay Buck, CAST CEO.

The Roma producers are being awarded because “the majority of CAST’s forced labor cases are trafficking of domestic workers who endure violence and coercion that robs them of their rights and steals their dignity.” Roma‘s success in raising awareness on a seldom talked about a subject like domestic work, is shaping the way people understand social justice issues of gender, race, and class-issues that create the same barriers and injustices that survivors of human trafficking experience.

Monies raised at the annual CAST Gala empower survivors on their journey from slavery to freedom through housing, counseling, legal services, and leadership training. Proceeds from last year’s event raised $750,000 that directly supported over 1,000 survivors and their families.

Other’s being honored include Dr. Linda Lopez, Chief, Mayor Garcetti’s Office on Immigrant Affairs (Visionary Leadership Award, and Avelino Tandag Reloj, Survivor and Leader (Courage Award).

For more information and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE.

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