Gamma Sigma Sigma repurposes red sand to fill the cracks of the sidewalk on Broadway street and the riverfront on April 29 to raise awareness for human trafficking.

Anna Foppe, Gamma Sigma Sigma treasurer learned about the The Red Sand Project in March and immediately became passionate about the project.

The Red Sand Project is a participatory artwork which creates opportunities for people to question and take action against vulnerabilities which can lead to human trafficking and exploitation, according to The Red Sand Project online.

Members ordered tool kits including the red sand which are free online through the Red Sand Project.

“Your attention is drawn to it, even if you don’t want it to be,” Foppe said.

The members of Gamma Sigma Sigma participated in the sidewalk interventions in hopes to start a conversation about a topic which is overlooked.

The bright red sand was placed in the cracks of sidewalks on public property.

Foppe hopes to expand The Red Sand Project to campus next year by applying for permission in advance.

The red sand has caught the attention of the community causing the question of the sands purpose.

“If there was a sign there, no one would have to talk about it,” Foppe said.

The sidewalk interventions highlight overlooked populations such as refugees, immigrants, girls and others who spend their lives being exploited for the profit of others.

The red sands purpose is to stop and remind individuals of those who “fall through the metaphoric cracks.”

The red sand takes the sidewalk cracks which we look at everyday, but don’t really pay attention to as an opportunity to start a conversation, Foppe said.