Our Founders

Ezra Hagberg

My name is Ezra Hagberg and I am a musician and a co-founder of Abolition Media. I do not see myself necessarily as a more worthy musician or leader than others, but was lead to where I am by other means. Towards the end of 2009 I found 2 things happening in my life simultaneously. The first was I began being exposed to the horrific reality of modern slavery in our world today (I was primarily exposed through the sources of Relevant Magazine, author/speaker Francis Chan, and the Call + Response music documentary). As my heart broke and I began talking with friends and aquaintances about the issues, I was even more shocked to realize it seemed 19 out of 20 people were as clueless as I had been. This instigated in me a desire, and even a sense of responsibility, to somehow take action.
Secondly was a desire to use my music and art for something deeper than personal gain, and to be a part of building something bigger than me. The music scene needed community and a cause, and the issues of modern slavery needed a bigger voice. I then worked with Phil Yancey, and Tim Brecht (along with other fellow friends and band-mates) to form Abolition Media, for the purpose of bridging the gap between the issues, and the common community. I also work as a church worship leader and am in school studying music, business, and Biblical studies. I have traveled all over the United States as well as visited and lived in other countries around the world. I am driven by my love and passion for music, God, and Justice.

Phil Yancey

My name is Phil Yancey and I am a co-founder of Abolition Media and the lead singer/guitarist in the band SIGNALS. I have been playing guitar and writing songs for about 6 years now and music is the way in which I express myself. About 2 years ago I was overseas going through a bible school program and a friend told me about the issue of modern slavery. What I heard broke my heart. When I returned to the U.S.A. I knew that I had to do something. So, combining my passion for music with my knowledge of modern slavery, Abolition Media was the outlet in which I could express myself and help others grow more aware of this horrible tragedy. It is my hope that more slaves are freed every day and that this generation would step up and make a difference in this world.

Tim Brecht

My name is Timothy Brecht, and I believe in justice. Each person in this world is capable of great evil; evil that is found in the very deepest parts of our hearts. A great amount of people live indifferently; they ignore the world and live normally, keeping to themselves to avoid causing trouble. But there are also people in the world who live and dwell in evil and selfish thoughts, and act upon it without remorse. I was personally affected by such a person at a very young age. You’ve heard people say that we have one chance at this life, and it tends to sound cliche. Nevertheless, I know that it is only by the grace of God I still have my life, and it should be my desire to seek out those in modern slavery; to fight my hardest so that maybe, in the long run, one more life may be spared. This is why I am in Abolition Media. Music is my passion, my gift. It is only reasonable that I use my gift to at least try to make a dent in this planet seething with hurt; people enslaved physically, and otherwise.
*All founders photos were taken by Aaron Grimes