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“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. 

The December holidays can present challenges for educators who want to provide a festive—but also equitable—classroom environment. These resources can help you acknowledge the season without alienating students based on their faith or family income.

It’s common for teachers and schools to turn to holiday-themed worksheets and projects at this time of year. But for some students, these are not inclusive of their cultures, identities and traditions. Here are some LFJ resources that offer ways to find balance in your curriculum and facilitate classroom discussions around inclusion while respecting religious and non-religious differences.

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday still observed as Columbus Day in many states. On this day—and year-round—we hope you’ll commit to teaching the truth about Indigenous history and the experiences of Indigenous peoples. These resources can help.

The Fourth of July is a quintessentially American holiday, but the celebrated right to liberty has never applied to every American. These resources can help you consider how July 4th fits into the complex relationship between the United States and its citizens of color and how you can bring this history and an important message to your diverse classrooms: There is no template for Americanness, and there never should have been.