Red Sand Project Burbank: A community united to raise awareness

On 26 July, the Zonta Club of Burbank Area, USA, led a community action through the Red Sand Project Burbank, a participatory art installation at the UMe Credit Union parking lot, to raise awareness of human trafficking and exploitation.

The event drew local residents, nonprofit partners and city officials. Speakers included Vice Mayor Tamala Takahashi; Nayeli May, executive director of Journey Out LA; Kim Mancia, drug and alcohol counselor at ZOE International; Erika Werner, Trades of Hope partner and Club President Lynn Lipinski.

City leaders in attendance included Councilmembers Zizette Mullins and Christopher Rizzotti, City Clerk Kimberley Clark, former Mayors Marsha Ramos and Emily Gabel-Luddy and former Councilmember Tim Murphy. Zonta District 9 Governor Gloria Salas and Zonta Area 3 Director Brittany Vaughan also attended.

Participants poured red sand into pavement cracks to symbolize those who have “fallen through the cracks” of society because of trafficking. Educational booths hosted by nonprofit organizations offered information and resources, and attendees collected stamps in event “passports” to exchange for ice cream from Handel’s Ice Cream.

The event coincided with the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and aimed to spark conversation, educate the public and show solidarity with survivors. “Human trafficking happens everywhere—even in Burbank,” Nayeli said. “We’ve rescued victims right here in our own community.”

The Zonta Club of Burbank Area partnered with the Kiwanis Club of Burbank, Burbank Noon Rotary, Sunrise Rotary, the City of Burbank through its Community Events and Program Grant and UMe Credit Union. The event banner at Magnolia Boulevard and Hollywood Way reached thousands in the days leading up to the gathering.