It’s essential to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and to affirm practices for wellness—especially during Black, Indigenous and People of Color Mental Health Month. These LFJ resources remind us of the ongoing impact of racism and bias and provide recommendations to support adults in helping young people during these polarizing times.
Parents and caregivers are children’s first teachers and play a powerful role in determining what children learn and in shaping children’s perspectives and our shared future. Learning for Justice aims to provide resources and information on current issues in education for parents, caregivers, educators and all community members who are concerned about current censorship and hostile school environments, and who want to create supportive and inclusive learning spaces where all children can thrive.
“Democracy is not a state. It is not some high plateau that we struggle to reach so we can finally settle down to rest. Democracy is an act. It is an act that requires participation, organization and dedication to the highest principles.” —Rep. John Lewis
This Fourth of July, commit to the movement for democracy, human rights and justice. Understanding the honest history of the United States means contextualizing this holiday into the complex relationship between the U.S. and its citizens of color.
“Disability is the way other people don’t accommodate you or respond to you.”
—Ashley Dalton, Southern Poverty Law Center
Changing the learning environment to be more inclusive—instead of a focus on changing the learner—creates opportunities for accessible education practices that benefit all young people. These LFJ magazine articles explain how, for children to thrive in more inclusive learning environments, social justice and equity movements must include intersecting identities and disability rights.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) enabled millions of Black and other voters of color an opportunity to participate in our democracy. Ten years ago, on June 25, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder significantly weakened a key provision of the landmark VRA. These LFJ articles remind us of the struggle for voting rights and education and the powerful legacy of Freedom Summer 1964. As we confront current voter suppression and education censorship, let us continue the fight for justice in today's movement.
“Juneteenth offers a moment for those who envision a just society to elevate and support the ongoing freedom movement no matter where they live. It opens possibilities to do the real work of uncovering honest history—and to be honest with ourselves, especially in the wake of racial violence.” —Juneteenth Observances Promote ‘Absolute Equality’
Juneteenth—celebrated June 19—marks the announcement in June of 1865 to enslaved Black Texans that they were free. These LFJ articles help to contextualize the holiday and the ongoing fight for justice and freedom.
As we celebrate Pride against the backdrop of legislation designed to roll back gains to protect the human rights of LGBTQ+ youth in the nation’s schools and communities, these LFJ resources from the latest issue of Learning for Justice magazine—including a Q&A with activists Nikole Parker and Brandon Wolf from Equality Florida—showcase ways to support and affirm young people in this moment that requires a strategic focus on the South for the greater good of our democracy and nation.
Celebrate Pride Month by taking action to support LGBTQ+ youth in increasingly hostile school environments and in our communities. The new spring magazine feature “A Refuge for LGBTQ+ Young People” explains students’ rights and how gender and sexuality alliance (GSA) clubs provide spaces for young people to thrive. This new article and these LFJ resources highlight that everyone benefits when inclusivity is intentional.
