UUs Hike to End Slavery in Mauretania

Last Sunday was a beautiful day. The sky was clear and the air balmy (by our arid Colorado standards!) and warm. In short, the perfect day to go for a hike with my dog - - and seventy-five other UUs and friends!

But we weren’t hiking at Mt. Falcon just for fun – although it was fun – very! We were hiking to raise awareness of the ongoing practice of slavery in the nation of Mauretania, where the number of chattel slaves in Mauritania is very high, making up between 15% to 20% of the entire population! Mauritania is one of the few countries in the world where slavery continues as a common social practice. Despite repeated anti-slavery legislation, the laws have never been enforced. Today, slavery continues in Mauritania, much as it has done for centuries.

In addition to raising awareness, we were also hiking to raise money to support a micro-credit lending program that helps formerly enslaved families begin to build independent and sustainable lives in freedom.

And did I mention it was a beautiful day?! Sometimes you really can have it all…

Anyway, we all gathered at the trailhead and I was thrilled to see how many families were there – moms, dads, kids and yes, even dogs – were there to hike for freedom and possibility – putting their family values in action!

We began by forming a large circle, each of us holding onto long ropes that both united us in community and also symbolized our solidarity with people in bondage everywhere. We then set off on our ambling journey.

The hike itself was lots of fun, with laughter and voices of all ages echoing off the rocks. When we got to the half-way point of our hike, we formed a circle again and shared a time of silent reflection. We then raised the rope high above our heads and, yelling “Freedom!” – we threw our symbolic bonds to the ground, accompanied by our hopes and prayers that someday everybody’s shackles will be broken and fall away and that all people would someday feel as free and joyful as we did in that moment on top of Mt. Falcon.

Everyone scattered to walk and play and explore after that. A few minutes later I noticed a group of children had taken up the ropes that used to shackle us and were using them as giant jump-ropes! It was wonderful – and I cannot imagine a more apt and hopeful metaphor. May that day come soon!!! “And a child shall lead them.”

In the end, we raised about $1000, which should help 5-7 families begin their new lives in freedom. May their lives be blessed, peaceful and full of love.

Hopefully this is just the first of a series of such events, so keep your eyes peeled for upcoming opportunities. You will be able to find updates and other interesting material at the Slave Free Mauretania website, which can be found here: http://slave-free-mauritania.org/default.aspx

I also want to take the opportunity to thank Phil McCready for the amazing job he has done with the project. He has been working on this for months, and although many people have contributed to making it a success – it is his vision and determination which have driven us forward. Thank you, Phil!