Expert on contemporary slavery to discuss worldwide concern and ways to end slavery at talk Oct. 23

Kevin Bales, co-founder of Free the Slaves, a nonprofit organization dedicated to abolishing slavery worldwide, will visit the University of Richmond to present “Unlocking the Science of Slavery” on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. in Weinstein Hall, Brown-Alley Room. The event is free and open to the public.

Bales’ lecture will focus on how slavery has become an issue of global concern, due in part to increased worldwide attention, a growing understanding of its economic and social costs, and the public’s recognition regarding the possibility of eradicating slavery. He also will discuss how activists and scholars can work together to end slavery.

As a sociologist and contemporary slavery expert, Bales works to estimate the risk factors and prevalence of slavery around the world. In addition to his work with Free the Slaves, Bales serves as a professor of contemporary slavery at the Wilberforce Institute for the Study of Slavery and Emancipation at the University of Hull in the United Kingdom.

The event is sponsored by the University of Richmond’s Department of Political Science, as well as the Women Involved in Living and Learning (WILL) and Sophomore Scholars in Residence (SSIR) programs.

For more information, contact Monti Datta at mdatta@richmond.edu or 804-289-8531.

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