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Can You Become A Slave? - Page 2

© Sharon K. West

The British Empire officially abolished slavery in 1833. The United States did the same in 1865 by ratifying the 13th Amendment. This Amendment states: " 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."

It shocks many to learn all slavery was not abolished by this amendment. Notice the exception, "except as a punishment for a crime." After 1865, this exception allowed anyone convicted of a crime to be used as forced labor in businesses, farm fields, lumber camps, railroads and mines. People by the tens of thousands (predominantly African Americans) became ensnared in this cruel legal form of slavery called "convict leasing." This system put to work children as young as six years old. And it did not take much to become convicted, especially when quotas had to be met. Until 1930, Alabama continued to provide convict leasing.

During the 1880's, in England, White Slavery (trafficking in women) caused a public uproar. The trade expanded rapidly. I remember, when still a little girl, every time someone vanished, whispers of White Slavery filled the air. White Slavery, meaning "the abduction of young girls for sale as sex slaves," also continues to this day. Authorities claim well-organized criminal organizations now operate this as a world-wide, underground syndicate.

In 1910, Chicago's U. S. Attorney first held an international crime ring responsible for abducting young girls in Europe and forcing them to work in Chicago brothels. As a result, Illinois Congressman James Mann introduced the White Slave Traffic Act, or "Mann Act." This law forbade the transportation of minors across state lines for ciminal purposes.

The concept of White Slavery is shrouded by mystery, rumor and questionable aspects. Check it out at: "Was there really such a thing as white slavery? " and "The Shanghaied Bride."

Human trafficking, well concealed, still takes place in virtually every country, affecting every race. A friend, while in the U. S. Military, visited Agadez, Niger, West Africa, during 1963-68. One day, he and a friend stumbled upon a slave auction while touring the ancient quarter. More than three hundred Tuareg nomads crowded the market area, elbow to elbow, about a city block in size. On a central, raised platform stood a frightened, 12-year-old Arab girl, ready to be sold. She was but one among some 20 slaves for sale.

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