Zach Hunter

Zach Hunter (born 1991) is an anti-slavery activist. When he was 12 years old, he launched Loose Change to Loosen Chains, a student-led effort to raise awareness and funds to end slavery. [cite web|title=END SLAVERY NOW |url=http://www.breakawaymag.com/AllTheRest/A000000509.cfm |accessdate=2008-09-18 |publisher=Breakaway] Hunter is the author of two books, "Be the Change" (Zondervan) and "Generation Change" (Zondervan). Born in Washington State, Hunter resides outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

Inspiration

When asked why he got involved as an abolitionist at such a young age, Hunter said "There are actually 27 million slaves in the world. I was really surprised [to find that out] ," he said. "And I had all these emotions about it and I wasn't sure what to think about the idea of having modern slavery, you know. But I didn't think it was enough to just have emotions." cite web|url=http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=2951434&page=1 |title=Just 15, He Leads Fight to Abolish Slavery |publisher=ABC News|date=March 15, 2007 |accessdate=2008-09-18] Hunter took his emotions of anger and outrage and launched Loose Change to Loosen Chains. Through the campaign, students tell the stories of modern day slaves and collect loose change in yellow cups. The collected change is then used to help fund the work of abolitionist organizations such as Free the Slaves and International Justice Mission; educate and inspire other abolitionists and further the student-led effort.

Hunter cites Dr. Martin Luther King's peaceful revolution, the work of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass as some of his inspiration.

Ongoing work

In addition to his work combatting modern day slavery, Hunter is also working to mobilize a new generation of activists. Hunter describes the most serious problems he's sees in the world today in his book "Generation Change" and profiles the work of other young people dedicated to solving the problems. Hunter speaks around the world to students, youth workers and activists.

References