CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns coach Hue Jackson is launching a foundation in his name to combat human trafficking in Cleveland and surrounding areas.

He'll formally announce it July 20 at the Browns facility in Berea.

It's the first time Jackson, who recently joined Jay Z's Roc Nation, has had a foundation of his own.

According to a release, "The Hue Jackson Foundation is committed to empowering children, teen and adult victims of Human Trafficking through the funding of organizations that champion for and serve as a voice for those who are exploited.''



It states that Jackson and is wife Michelle, parents of three daughters, created the foundation "for reasons dear to their hearts'' and that "they are dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations that embolden and offer hope to victims of sexual exploitation and coercion.''



Ohio has some of the highest cases of human trafficking in the nation, according to statistics from the National Human Trafficking Resource Center in Washington, DC.



"The foundation will focus on its efforts to further awareness, prevention and healing for victims of this crime,'' the release stated. "Victims of Human Trafficking have been robbed of their autonomy and self-respect by traffickers that use violence, physical and emotional coercion, fraud, debt bondage and other means to subjugate their victims and exploit them for sex and labor commerce.

"These victims can be children, teens or adults, male or female, of any race or ethic group. Human Trafficking happens in cities and suburbs, in rural and urban areas, in lower income and upper income neighborhoods, on the streets and in the suburbs.''

In addition to Jackson, speakers at the event will include Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Renee Jones of the Renee Jones Empowerment Center and Major Lurlene-Kay M. Johnson, The Salvation Army.