Artists Athletes Activists

This year, as part of our Freedom Awards Benefit, we are proud to honor the nonprofit “Artists Athletes Activists” for their notable contribution and engagement in the anti-trafficking field. Please take a moment to read more about the organization.

Artists Athletes Activists (AAA) is a grassroots organization founded to address the widespread need for community support to vulnerable populations in New York City. Established in 2018 as a 501(c)3 non-profit, AAA works to ensure socio-economic disadvantages are not an obstacle to peoples’ sense of worth and belonging, and their ability to contribute to the community. In August 2022, AAA mobilized to welcome migrants arriving on buses from the southern border. As the “migrant crisis” evolved, AAA’s response adapted and expanded. While there was a vast network of nonprofit and governmental organizations in New York City, the primary problem AAA addressed was the lack of “first line of support” for the new arrivals. Most migrants arrived without the personal contacts, language skills, or finances to navigate the complex network of city, state, and federal services. Newcomers were unable to navigate the system to access timely support. Due to this critical gap, AAA created the first “frontline” resource center for the 200,000 migrants who arrived in New York. Originally in the Port Authority bus terminal, AAA welcomed with dignity thousands of individuals and families. The city authorities closed this space in May 2023 and AAA established a partnership with the Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries to launch the Resources, Opportunities, Connections, Community (ROCC) program. Located in the Metro Baptist Church in Midtown Manhattan, ROCC is run by volunteers and trusted partner organizations who provide case management, legal services, and links to community support.