Happy Freedom's Eve!

Or Watch Night, as it's also called throughout the U.S. Robert Smith's blog posting, Watch Night tradition rings in New Year for black churches, explains that "Watch Night has been know to Methodists since the mid-1700s, when John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, encouraged new-year "covenant services" as a means of reaffirming faith. "

"The vigils won the fealty of black America in 1863, many say, when Abraham Lincoln decreed that his Emancipation Proclamation would take effect Jan. 1. Abolitionists and slaves are said to have congregated on "Freedom's Eve" to await what the new year would bring. "

Tonight, many Methodist churches in the United States will celebrate and hold vigils. I am not a Methodist, or an African American, but I am an abolitionist. And this Freedom's Eve I will pray and resolve (again) to help bring sweet freedom of all men, women and children who are still enslaved. Please join me.

To read Robert Smith's complete posting, click here.

“Trafficking Free NYC”

Want to know what it's like to be a prostitute in a NYC brothel? Definitely not Pretty Woman. Sonia Ossorio, president of NOW-NYC, tells it like it is in her article "Voices of NOW NYC: Aiming for a “Trafficking Free NYC”. She doesn't sugar coat it. A gipping picture indeed...

"If you never had a picture of what the low-budget, factory-style prostitution that makes up much of the local NYC sex industry, this is it – up close, uncomfortable and a mockery of sex and all it stands for – pleasure, sharing, sexual empowerment and women’s liberation.

At the beginning of each shift, the women are given a produce box top with two rolls of paper towels, a bottle of lube, alcohol and a baggie filled with unwrapped condoms. The condoms are prepped much like vegetables at restaurants before the rush hits. There are tips that go to the men who stand on the corners as dusk sets in and pass out business cards for the brothels and give directions to the houses where sex can be bought $30 for 15 minutes. The price went up this year from $25."

Many of these brothels are advertised in the yellow pages and local magazines - some showing pictures of children! NOW-NYC is spearheading a campaign called “Trafficking Free NYC!” asking publishers to use common sense, do some basic due diligence and stop taking ads that exploit women through commercial sex work. To learn more about NOW-NYC, click here.

Nivasa Foundation is hosting a Dinner and Dance Party

Beatrice’s Fernando's Nivasa Foundation (one of AASG's speaking associate) is hosting a Dinner and Dance Party with authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and FREE dance lessons and you’re invited!

What: Dinner and Dance Party (featuring Sri Lankan food and FREE dance lessons)

When: December 8 @ 6:30 to 10:00 pm

Where: Knights of Columbus, Charlestown

Contact: www.NivasaFoundation.org, 781 -888-9880

*Purchase tickets in advance or make a donation.


As a Sri Lankan survivor of slavery, Beatrice Fernando founded the the Nivasa Foundation, a non-profit organization helping to end the cycle of slavery in Sri Lanka. By funding the education and basic necessities of the children of Sri Lankan victims of slavery, we prevent these women from again being deceived into situations of slavery and provide their children with better opportunities.

The Dinner and Dance party is a fundraiser for the Nivasa Foundation and will provide Sri Lankan cuisine and free ballroom dancing lessons and other entertainment, as well as raffles and prizes for a ticket price of $40. Space is limited so please reserve your spot in advance. If you are unable to attend, please consider making a donation to the Nivasa Foundation. A donation of $37/month will provide a child with an education, food, clothing, and school supplies.

Please call 781 -888-9880 or send your contribution to Nivasa Foundation, P.O. Box 95, Merrimac, MA 01860. You can also make a donation, purchase tickets, and read more about our work at www.NivasaFoundation.org.