Modern Abolition meets youth where they are—inside detention centers, in schools, churches and on the streets—walking alongside them with mentorship, creative skill-building, and leadership development. Led by people with lived experience, we empower youth to break cycles, reclaim their future, and build their own path forward
The dream of Modern Abolition was an unfulfilled concept for years. It didn't have a name, a business model, a logo, or a specific cause. It wasn't till I went to Cambodia and experienced the true evil of Sex Trafficking and other forms of slavery around the world in July 2011. I left on my trip to Cambodia just days after I received the news that I was going to be a father. That took the trip to a whole new level. On my return home, the haunting memories of what I saw and experienced were so overwhelming, that I couldn't help but think " How could I not,not do anything?"...as a father to be, a husband, as a human being.
I believe it's our duty to fight injustice, feed the hungry, defend the weak, notice the un-noticeable, bring hope to the hopeless, touch the untouchable, and never become a slave to the status quo. I always wanted to use my art for more than the sake of just being art...this was the birth of Modern Abolition.
We started out creating apparel as an art expression for impact & awareness to help fuel the mission of rescue. Now we use the methods of printing, design, digital arts, and other industry practices as vehicles, on-ramps, and tools for: character, career, social, and leadership development. It's about life-change over profit. Developing future leaders, business owners, fighters, rescuers, mentors and game changers.
We are now about prevention. It’s about affecting the 1-20 (people) that will bring in the next 1-20 (people).
I believe with all my heart, that changing and impacting the next generation starts with one life at a time. That's the Modern Abolition way.
We will continue to create goods and services purposed and designed to give financial support and fuel "the pupil project" and aid our other organizations/ partners - aiding their efforts to remedy depravities and end evils around the world on top of our donation platforms. This provides jobs, hands on training, and real-time learning opportunities – with real time impact.
THE 4 STROKES
Creativity . Change . Charity . Community
THE 4 RESULTS
Help . Hope . Healing . Health
The Team
Gilbert Acevedo III
CEO & Founder
I’m Gilbert “Gilrilla” Acevedo III, a youth mentor and founder of Modern Abolition, using art & creativity to create social change. With 20+ years in youth ministry, I help young people grow spiritually, develop life skills, and lead creative projects that make a lifelong impact.
Stacy Acevedo
Vice President
I’m Stacy Acevedo—a wife, mother, businesswoman, and hairstylist passionate about wellness. I empower others to look and feel their best through beauty, health, and balanced living.
Shaelyn Saraceni
Sales & Marketing Manager
I'm Shaelyn Saraceni, an author, a musician, and a creative. My passion is to always empower and come alongside those who don't have the means or ability to do so themselves, whether that be youth, young adults, or any marginalized group.
Hillary Gaines
Team Member
I’m Hillary Gaines, a dedicated advocate with 20+ years of experience supporting children and families through youth advocacy, mental health, and juvenile justice. I use my lived and professional experience to create inclusive, student-focused initiatives.
A Modern Abolitionist...
Exists to inspire others and create movements of change that bring help, hope, healing, and health to those in need. It is estimated that every 3 seconds a child dies of a preventable circumstance (disease, poverty, hunger, lack of education, etc) and children (especially young girls) all over the planet are being sold as slaves for sex, labor, and having their childhood stolen. This is not ok with me. We can make a difference...we will be different.
"Don't be a slave to the status quo" - This is Modern Abolition.
The conviction to use all that I am & to do all that I can to make a positive impact in the world, and literal change, is the life blood of Modern Abolition.