Human Trafficking

Supporting Those Who Have Fallen Through the Cracks

The Red Sand Project is an interactive art exhibition designed to raise awareness of human trafficking. By spreading red sand in sidewalk cracks, the project brings attention to those who have “fallen through the cracks” in society.

Placeholder Section for Red Sand Campaign Materials

Who can be part of the Red Sand Project?

Anyone! The Red Sand Project has been implemented by individuals and organizations worldwide. Students, educators, businesses, non-profit organizations, celebrities, and survivors have all joined the fight to end human trafficking. Red Sand Project installations have taken place in 70 countries around the world. Hundreds of thousands of toolkits have been distributed to more than 1 million people.

How is a sidewalk installation hosted?

Sidewalk installations are simple. Red Sand can be used anywhere there is a crack in a sidewalk or a high foot-trafficked area in your community. Be sure to ask for permission before pouring sand.

What's in the red sand?

The sand is made from feldspathic rock, a natural, non-toxic, environmentally safe material. It is non-carcinogenic and colored red with an organic dye. It does not contain nuts, gluten, or wheat and is tested annually with safety standards for all people.

Red Sand Project Questions

Reach out to J’la Jenkins at SPARK.health@tn.gov.

More Information

Complete the form below to receive information about the Red Sand Project or Human Trafficking in Tennessee.

It Happens Here & It Has to Stop

• Human trafficking remains a widespread crisis in the United States, impacting thousands of individuals each year. In 2023 alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received over 30,000 contacts and identified more than 7,300 cases involving victims and survivors.
• In the United States, on average, every two minutes, a child is bought or sold for sex. The average age of a child sold for sex is 13 years old, and Human Trafficking is the second-fastest-growing criminal industry, just behind Drug Trafficking.
• According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, in 2023, out of 114 identified human trafficking cases in Tennessee, 23 were related to labor trafficking, accounting for approximately 20% of the cases that year. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, plain and simple. 
• In 2024, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reported 1,170 human trafficking tips, with over 500 involving minors. While slightly down from 2023, the numbers remain high compared to five years ago.
• Increased reporting from agencies like the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and rising concerns about gang-related trafficking have kept human trafficking a major statewide focus. In response, Tennessee continues expanding the TBI’s Human Trafficking Unit and public awareness efforts to combat exploitation.