Hollywood Popular Artists

Feb 12th 2013, 16:40

If he were still around, Abraham Lincoln would be turning 204 (!!!) today. It'd be understandable if you thought slavery's been history for nearly as long – after all, we've all heard plenty about the Emancipation Proclamation and when Lincoln freed the slaves. Today, though, there are an estimated 27 million slaves worldwide -- more than during Lincoln's time -- with incidences of sex and labor trafficking reported in all fifty states.

Today, take action in honor of President Lincoln and help free some modern-day slaves.

+ Go Inside The Backstory

Photos: (MTV)

Modern-day slavery looks a lot different than slavery in Lincoln's day. The Backstory, an interactive video experience created by mtvU's Against Our Will Campaign, lets you go inside the backstories of modern-day sex and labor trafficking victims. Find out what you would do if you knew a victim, and take a stand to help end modern-day slavery.

+ Support Survivors On Valentine's Day

Photos: (FreeTheSlaves.net)

Lincoln's birthday isn't the only notable date this week. Combine do-good action on modern-day slavery with Valentine's Day by supporting anti-trafficking organizations. Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS) provides support to New York-based survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. Today's the last day that you can send a GEMS Valentine's Day card to a loved one for a donation of just $10. Free the Slaves, an organization that works to liberate slaves around the world, is also doing an e-Valentine's Day card donation drive.

+ Learn How To Talk About It

Photos: (Getty)

Starting to plan Spring Break with your friends? Take a look at these tips first. They'll give you some advice on handling awkward situations, ranging from friends who want to go to a strip club to being at a club when a song about pimps comes on.

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