Ron Soodalter

About the Author

Ron Soodalter is an acclaimed investigative journalist and author whose work shines a relentless light on the hidden injustices of modern America. A former contributor to The New York Times and Smithsonian Magazine, he has dedicated much of his career to uncovering the pervasive scourge of human trafficking and contemporary slavery. Drawing from extensive fieldwork, interviews with survivors, and collaborations with law enforcement, Soodalter's writing combines meticulous research with compelling narratives that humanize the victims and expose systemic failures. His book, The Slave Next Door: Human Trafficking and Slavery in America Today, co-authored with Kevin Bales, became a cornerstone text in the fight against human exploitation, earning praise for its eye-opening revelations and urgent call to action. Beyond journalism, Soodalter lectures widely on abolitionist efforts and serves on the board of Free the Slaves, continuing his advocacy for a world free from bondage.