Smoke with Purpose: Goldie Grace Against Human Trafficking
Each Cigar a Step Towards Freedom
The Story of Goldie Grace
Goldie Grace isn’t just a cigar; it’s a symbol of resistance against human trafficking. Inspired by the tenacity of a fictional detective, each cigar embodies the fight for justice and freedom.
Every 30 Seconds Another Person Becomes a Victim of Human Trafficking
The Cause
In the heart of the global fight against human sex trafficking, a unique collaboration emerges – “Cigar Clowns” and the “Chaffiot Collection Cigars” join forces with “Bikers Against Trafficking (BAT)” to make a difference. This initiative is more than just about enjoying premium cigars; it’s about igniting change and empowering survivors.
The Powerful Mission of Bikers Against Trafficking
Bikers Against Trafficking stands as a beacon of hope in the daunting face of human sex trafficking. Their global efforts have touched the lives of over 530 individuals and their families, offering more than just support – they provide a path to recovery and independence.
How Bikers Against Trafficking Help
Trauma-Informed Therapy:
Through their partnership with Family4Today, Inc., led by Dr. Patrick "Doc" and Rainey Nave, BAT provides essential clinical therapy, free for those without insurance.
Daily Living Supplies:
Victims' immediate needs are met with necessities like toiletries, clothes, and bedding – essentials for starting anew.
Education and Awareness:
BAT's outreach extends to diverse platforms, from schools to documentaries, spreading knowledge and understanding about the trafficking crisis.
Training Programs:
They educate on best practices for aiding survivors, ensuring effective and empathetic support within communities.
Housing Assistance:
Collaborating internationally, BAT offers housing solutions, crucial for the stability of survivors.
Community Building:
BAT's chapters create a network of support, solidarity, and action against trafficking.
Special Initiatives:
Their work extends to providing festive cheer during Christmas and Easter, focusing on children affected by trafficking.
Tackling Demand:
A bold step towards reducing trafficking by addressing its demand side through counseling and awareness.
Navigating the Nexus: Human Trafficking in NYC’s South American Migrant Communities
New York City, known for its diverse tapestry of cultures and communities, is also a hub for various forms of human trafficking. Among the most vulnerable are the South American migrant communities, where individuals from countries like Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia face unique challenges. Language barriers, cultural isolation, and precarious immigration statuses contribute significantly to their susceptibility to exploitation.
The South American Migrant Experience in NYC
The experiences of South American migrants in New York City are as varied as their countries of origin. Many arrive seeking better opportunities, some with valid visas, others undocumented. A report by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs indicates that the lack of legal status and limited English proficiency among these communities increases their risk of exploitation, particularly in labor trafficking.
Case Examples by Country
Mexico:
In a case uncovered by the NYPD, a Mexican trafficking ring was found exploiting undocumented women in Queens, forcing them into prostitution through intimidation and violence.
Venezuela:
The economic and political turmoil in Venezuela has led to an influx of migrants, some of whom have fallen victim to trafficking networks. Instances of Venezuelan migrants being coerced into labor and sex trafficking have been reported by local NGOs.
Colombia:
Colombian migrants, often fleeing violence and seeking refuge, have also been targeted. A study by the Center for Migration Studies of New York highlights cases where Colombian women were tricked into trafficking schemes under the guise of employment offers in hospitality and domestic work.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), it's estimated that worldwide, about 1 in 4 victims of modern slavery are children, which amounts to around 10 million children.
Barriers to
Seeking Help
Many South American migrants in NYC, fearing deportation and facing mistrust in law enforcement, often remain silent about their exploitation. Cultural stigmas and a lack of awareness about available resources further exacerbate their plight. Community outreach and support systems are crucial in overcoming these barriers.
Community and Institutional Responses
Organizations such as the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights provide essential services to South American migrants, including legal assistance and advocacy. Government initiatives, under the umbrella of the NYC Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence, have also been working to extend protections and support to these vulnerable populations.
Addressing Labor and Sex Trafficking
Labor trafficking is a significant issue for South American migrants, particularly in sectors like construction, hospitality, and domestic work. The New York State Department of Labor has implemented targeted inspections and awareness programs to identify and assist victims of labor trafficking.
In terms of sex trafficking, NGOs like Sanctuary for Families offer specialized services for victims, including counseling and legal support. Their work is crucial in helping survivors rebuild their lives and escape the cycle of exploitation.
Tackling human trafficking within NYC’s South American migrant communities requires an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals from different countries. Collaborative efforts between community organizations, law enforcement, and policymakers are essential. By addressing the specific needs of Mexican, Venezuelan, and Colombian migrants, among others, New York City can make significant strides in safeguarding the rights and dignity of each individual in these vibrant but vulnerable communities.
Shadows in the Cityscape: The Harrowing Reality of Human Trafficking in America's Urban Hearts
Houston, Texas:
The pulsating heart of the "Texas Triangle," Houston's complex network of interstates and its proximity to the Mexican border make it a breeding ground for traffickers. Here, over 313,000 souls are entrapped, their cries echoing in the vastness of Texas
Las Vegas, Nevada:
Beneath the neon glow of Sin City, a different kind of darkness thrives. Events like the Super Bowl draw not only fans but also a sinister crowd of predators. Alarmingly, 8,000 children vanish into thin air each year in Nevada, many becoming statistics in the human trafficking ledger
Miami, Florida:
Miami's golden beaches and vibrant nightlife mask a grim reality. The city's appeal as a tourist hotspot and its balmy climate make it a fertile ground for traffickers. Shockingly, 1 in 3 teenage runaways in Miami are lured into the sex trade within 48 hours of their escape
New York, New York:
The city's teeming streets and boundless energy are a double-edged sword, providing both opportunity and peril. Despite stringent laws, human trafficking persists, preying on the city's vulnerable. Over 2,000 young people were sexually exploited in New York City in 2019 alone, a stark testament to the pervasive nature of this crime
Los Angeles, California:
The City of Angels, where dreams soar, is also where nightmares are lived. California, notorious for its human trafficking cases, sees Los Angeles as a focal point of this crisis. The city's allure draws many, but for some, it's a trap that ensnares them into a world of exploitation and fear
Atlanta, Georgia:
Atlanta's bustling airport, one of the world's busiest, is not just a nexus of travel but also a hub of human trafficking. The city's vibrancy and constant flow of people provide cover for traffickers to operate with a chilling efficiency
Washington, D.C.:
The capital, symbolizing freedom and power, is paradoxically also a stage for the dark play of human trafficking. The city's homeless, both children and adults, are particularly vulnerable, often falling prey to promises of a better life, only to find themselves shackled in a reality far grimmer
Chicago, Illinois:
The Windy City, with its sprawling expanse and deep-rooted issues, is a hotspot for human trafficking. A staggering number of women and girls are caught in this nefarious web each year, with many victims being minors, highlighting the predatory nature of traffickers in urban landscapes
San Diego, California:
This city's beauty belies the ugly truth of its human trafficking dilemma. San Diego's thriving human trafficking industry generates a staggering $810 million annually, a grim reminder of the scale and profitability of this inhuman trade
The Impact
Important Statistics on Human Trafficking:
Global Prevalence:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally. Of these, 81% are trapped in forced labor, 25% are children, and 75% are women and girls.
Child Trafficking:
UNICEF reports that nearly 1 in 4 victims of human trafficking are children. The actual number is likely higher due to the hidden nature of the crime.
Sex Trafficking:
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry are victims of trafficking.
Forced Labor:
The ILO also estimates that 16 million individuals are exploited in the private economy, in industries such as domestic work, construction, and agriculture.
Profitability:
Human trafficking is incredibly lucrative, with the ILO estimating that it generates $150 billion in illegal profits each year.
Domestic Trafficking:
The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported that in the United States, most of the reported human trafficking cases involve domestic actors rather than international perpetrators.
Online Recruitment:
Polaris, which operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, found that more and more traffickers are using social media to recruit victims, with a significant increase in such cases in recent years.
Legal Action:
Despite the prevalence of human trafficking, convictions remain relatively low. The U.S. State Department's 2020 Trafficking in Persons Report noted that there were only 11,096 prosecutions and 9,821 convictions for trafficking globally in 2019.
COVID-19 Impact:
The pandemic has increased vulnerability to trafficking due to economic hardship, reduced availability of social and governmental support, and increased online activity by minors, according to the United Nations.
These statistics highlight the pervasive and deeply ingrained nature of human trafficking across the world. Efforts to combat this issue require coordinated global action, including prevention, protection of victims, prosecution of perpetrators, and partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector.
Where To Buy
FInd Goldie Grace Locally
Find Goldie At These Online Locations
Press RElease
In it to END IT
A Collection of Clowns smoking cigars isn’t the first image that comes to mind when you think of fighting human trafficking.
However, that is exactly what Chaffiot Collection Cigars and the Cigar Clowns are partnering to do. Both boutique cigar
companies are known for their exceptional blends and clever, but classy, artwork. Now they hope to make an impact in the industry
with their collaboration cigar: Goldie Grace. With mutual respect and an introduction from Oak Glen Tobacconist’s, Eric Drazin, a
conversation emerged about how the two brands could join forces to raise both awareness and funding to combat human
trafficking. Both brands were selected as the top 2 cigars of 2022 and were also in 2023’s top 10 by Eric’s OGT Society. This was an incredible honor considering the other brands they were competing with.
The Cigar Clowns are comprised of 5 Brooklyn-NY, cigar-obsessed enthusiasts that have done a stellar job in creating limited release bangers which have resulted in strong consumer demand, the cult following that is the Cigar Clowns Army. Chaffiot Collection’s husband and wife duo has also made more than just a ripple in the pond by fearlessly leading with the statement, “until human trafficking goes up
in smoke”. They have proven they can match their bold mission with bold cigar quality, never compromising on their product or their message.
Both companies may be small but are mighty sure this collaboration blend is a winner. Goldie isn’t just another pretty face, but a force to be reckoned with. She’s not just “clowning around”, she’s ready to knock em’ down and drag em’ out to add to her “collection.” With a silky Habano wrapper from Ecuador, and a binder and fillers from Nicaragua, the box pressed Goldie Grace expels sweet notes of
natural tobacco, cinnamon, leather, toasted almonds, and white pepper on the retrohale.
A portion of the proceeds from this limited release will be donated to the efforts of Bikers Against Trafficking to prevent, rescue and restore those victimized by human trafficking.
Nationwide Virtual Herf to see Human Trafficking go up in smoke is “leaping” February 29th at 8:30 PM EST .Limited to 30 participating retailers.
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Policy