Camilla Belle, Emmitt Smith, Ashton and Demi…these are all big names in entertainment and they are commonly all united for one cause-to raise awareness and put an end to slavery. And on Tuesday October 13th, 2009 they had the perfect stage to do so when the 2009 Freedom Awards took place at the University of Southern California.

Other stars such as Carla Gugino Watchmen/Entourage, Maurice Greene and Quddus Philippe united onstage as Artists & Athletes Against Slavery demonstrating their commitment to act as ambassadors of freedom and also announce their support of “Free A Village in India” encouraging audience members and other poeple to get involved.

Camilla Belle attends the 2009 Freedom Awards. Photo Amy Graves/Getty Images

Even celebrities who could not attend, such as Russell Simmons and Rex Lee, still did their part to bring awareness to this issue affecting 27 million people. So how does Hollywood suggest that we over come this issue?

1. Use your twitter for good causes. Promote artists, articles and the PSA below to educate people.
2. Appreciate your rights and use them. In this country, we do have free speech and we can vote. 
3. Educate. Use the internet, do research, visit sites such as www.freetheslaves.net

We hope the number of enslaved people will start to decrease. Until then, we’ll keep spreading the message to try and stop slavery, even in 2009.

At the Human Rights Campaign’s National Equality March in Washington D.C, Lady GaGa gave an inspirational speech on equality.

In addition to her speech, Lady GaGa performed at the Gay Rights Rally.  She performed her rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine, which features changes in the lyric to refrence 21 year old hate crime victim Matthew Shepard.  Check it out below.