The Opportunity Agenda

Fair Minimum Wage Act
2026-05-25
On this day in 2007, President George W. Bush signed into law the Fair Minimum Wage Act, which gradually raised the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour. It was the last time that the federal minimum wage was raised. Use this anniversary to talk about the urgent need to create economic opportunity for more Americans by paying living wages. Cite the values of economic opportunity and community.

Indian Removal Act
2026-05-28
On this day in 1830, President Andrew Jackson signed into law the Indian Removal Act. The law authorized the president to “negotiate” the removal of American Indian nations in the South to federal territory west of the Mississippi River, paving the way for white Americans to settle in their ancestral lands. Today, we see this act as legitimating the genocide of native people. Talk about this anniversary by citing the values of voice, equity, and community

“Ain’t I a Woman?” Speech
2026-05-29
On this day in 1851, Sojourner Truth made her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech at the Women’s Rights Convention held in Akron, Ohio. Today, scholars see the speech as an intersectional critique of single-issue activism. It’s also an important anniversary in light of the potential impacts abortion bans and other state-level legislative attacks on reproductive rights have on people of color. Use the values of voice, equity, and community to discuss this anniversary.

Brown II
2026-05-30
On May 30, 1955, the Supreme Court ordered that schools should be integrated “with all deliberate speed.” Known as “Brown II,” the order was issued because few schools had integrated since the Brown vs. Board of Education decision. Cite this anniversary by referring to the values of voice, equity, and opportunity.

Walt Whitman
2026-05-31
Today is the birthday of Walt Whitman (b. 1819). Because Whitman criticized slavery and stood up for social justice, he is considered the first “poet of democracy” in the United States. The poet’s sexuality has been disputed but some still consider him a gay icon. Use Whitman’s birthday to discuss the role of artists in changing hearts and minds for lasting social change. Cite the values of voice and equity.

Dr. George Tiller
2026-05-31
On this day in 2009, an anti-abortion extremist assassinated Dr. George Tiller in Wichita, Kansas. Tiller was the medical director of Women’s Health Care Services. Use the anniversary of Tiller’s death to uplift the work of reproductive justice and the deadly consequences of legislation that restricts access to abortion. Cite the values of equity, economic opportunity, and community.

PRIDE Month
2026-06-01
Happy Pride Month! As we come together for annual Pride celebrations, remember to uplift the intersectional issues impacting members of the LGBTQIA+ community, with an eye to racial, gender, and economic justice. Cite the values of safety, opportunity, community, and voice.

Immigrant Heritage Month
2026-06-01
First celebrated in June 2014, Immigrant Heritage Month celebrates the social, cultural, and economic contributions of immigrants to the United States. Powered by FWD.us Education Fund, this annual event aims to drive affirmative narratives by encouraging immigrants and allies to share their stories and drive action in their communities. Reference the values of opportunity, community, and voice.

Black Music Appreciation Month
2026-06-01
June is also Black Music Appreciation Month, a celebration dating back to 1979 highlighting the Black traditions that created, defined, and expanded musical forms, including sacred, folk, blues, jazz, R&B, rock, hip-hop, and more. While it might seem that Black music hardly needs a special time for appreciation, given its dominant everyday presence in American culture, Black artists, promoters, record labels, radio stations, and venues have often been sidelined or cut out of the economic opportunities their cultural contributions generate. Emphasize the values of voice and opportunity when discussing the importance of racial justice in the music industry and online.

Tribeca Film Festival
2026-06-03 - 2026-06-14
The Tribeca Festival in New York City is one of the major film festivals held annually and includes not only film premieres and competitions but also live music performances and industry talks on film, television, audio storytelling, and more. Visit the festival website for information on passes and packages. Cite the values of voice and opportunity when discussing the importance of pop culture and media to shifting narratives on social issues.

19th Amendment
2026-06-04
Today is the anniversary in 1919 of Congress approving the Constitution’s 19th amendment, which gave white women the right to vote. While an important accomplishment, Jim Crow laws prevented many women of color from exercising this right for decades. Women of color continue to lead civic engagement within our communities, using both organizing and cultural strategies to expand voting rights in the face of continued efforts to suppress votes in communities of color. Cite the values of equity and voice when talking about this anniversary.

Kalief Browder
2026-06-06
On this day in 2015, Kalief Browder took his own life after spending three years in New York’s Rikers Island jail. Browder had been awaiting trial for stealing a backpack and spent two years in solitary confinement. Supporters point to Browder’s incarceration as the source of his mental health struggle. Cite the values of equity and safety on this date.

Griswold v. Connecticut
2026-06-07
On this day in 1965, the Supreme Court upheld the “right of marital privacy” in the case of Griswold v. Connecticut, which ensured access to contraception. The case provided precedent for the court to legalize abortion in the Roe v. Wade case eight years later. The Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overrule Roe also raised concern about how the right to privacy might be further threatened in other landmark decisions. When discussing the intersecting harms of the political attacks on reproductive freedom, remember to advance narratives of full rights and justice for everyone, especially those living in poverty and Black, brown, and Indigenous communities. Cite the values of opportunity and equity.

Loving Day
2026-06-12
Loving Day celebrates the anniversary of the 1967 United States Supreme Court decision on the case of Loving v. Virginia, which struck down all state laws banning interracial marriage. In 2022, President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified the federal government’s recognition and respect of both same-sex and interracial marriages. This legislation passed in response to SCOTUS’ decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which raised concern that other landmark cases would be threatened. Use the anniversary to talk about racial justice with the values of equity and voice.

Reagan's Berlin Wall Speech
2026-06-12
On this day in 1987, President Ronald Reagan gave his famous “Tear Down this Wall” speech in Berlin. Although Reagan was addressing the Communist bloc, it’s worth noting that this Republican president publicly challenged the idea of using walls to separate or isolate people, stating, “The wall cannot withstand freedom.” Use this anniversary to talk about the needs of U.S.-Mexico border communities and how wall rhetoric and militarization threatens safety and freedom for the millions who call the region home or arrive seeking protection. Cite the values of opportunity, safety, and community.

"Miranda rights"
2026-06-13
On this day in 1966, the Supreme Court issued its decision on Ernesto Miranda vs. Arizona. The ruling created what became known as “Miranda rights,” the law enforcement procedure of reminding someone of their rights when being arrested. Use this anniversary to discuss the importance of criminal justice reform by referring to the values of equity, safety, and voice.

DACA Announced by Pres. Obama
2026-06-15
On this day in 2012, President Obama announced the creation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that allows those who arrived as children — many of whom know no homeland other than the United States — to live and contribute to their communities without fear of deportation. Advocates continue to call on Congress to create a permanent solution for DACA recipients and their families. For information on the status of the program, follow the National Immigration Law Center and United We Dream. Discuss this anniversary by referring to the values of voice, community, and opportunity.

Plyler v. Doe
2026-06-15
On this day in 1982, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Plyler v. Doe that states could not deny public education to students who were not legally admitted into the country. Doing so, they said, violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Since the ruling only applied to K-12 students, other court cases and legislation made it possible for some states to deny undocumented students access to in-state tuition, scholarships, or enrollment at public colleges and universities. Cite the values of voice, equity, and community on this date.

Juneteenth
2026-06-19
Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved Americans gained their freedom in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today’s celebrations provide the opportunity to discuss the enduring legacies of racial injustice. Join the conversation, citing the values of opportunity, equity, voice, and community.

World Refugee Day
2026-06-20
Recognized annually on this day, World Refugee Day commemorates the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of refugees. From the impacts of climate change to fleeing violence, connect this international observance to what’s happening in the United States and across the world. Cite the values of community, safety, and opportunity when discussing this.

Father's Day
2026-06-21
Father’s Day is an important time to talk about racial justice and economic opportunity with your community. The separation of immigrant families, impacts of discriminatory policing and mass incarceration, and cultural attacks on LGBTQ+ communities can make this a hard and heavy day for many. Talk about the need to protect family unity and inclusively celebrate all families on this date. Focus on the values of opportunity, safety, and equity.

The G.I. Bill
2026-06-22
On this day in 1944, President Truman signed the G.I. Bill. As a result, thousands of World War II veterans were able to apply for funds for college education, unemployment insurance, and housing loans. However, less than 2% of these mortgages went to people of color. This is a good time to talk about the important role government can play in creating economic opportunities for everyone. Cite the values of equity and community.

Muslim Ban
2026-06-26
On this day in 2018, the Supreme Court upheld the third iteration of President Trump’s “Muslim Ban.” Previously, lower federal courts had found each iteration to be blatantly anti-Muslim, unconstitutional, and an abuse of the president’s power. Although the Biden Administration rescinded Trump’s order, this date remains important given the persistence of anti-Muslim discrimination. Discuss this anniversary by citing the values of voice, equity, and community.

Bree Newsome
2026-06-27
On this day in 2015, activist Bree Newsome removed the Confederate battle flag after climbing the flagpole in front of the South Carolina Capitol building. Confederate flags and monuments honoring the Confederacy remain in cities and communities across the United States and serve as flashpoints in our national reckoning with slavery and racial injustice. Cite the values of community, voice, safety, and equity when discussing this hook.

Stonewall Uprising
2026-06-28
Today is the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, a key turning point in the struggle for LGBTQIA+ rights. Use the anniversary to discuss the importance of intersectionality in our movements and the ongoing work to achieve racial and economic justice in the LGBTQIA+ community. Cite the values of safety, opportunity, community, and voice.

Furman v. Georgia
2026-06-29
On this day in 1972, the Supreme Court struck down the death penalty, ruling in Furman v. Georgia that it was unconstitutional under the 8th and 14th Amendments. Justice William O. Douglas concluded that the death penalty “is disproportionately imposed and carried out on the poor, the Negro, and the members of unpopular groups.” Four years later, the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty on the idea that it was constitutional under the 8th Amendment. Discuss this anniversary by citing the values of equity, safety, voice, and community.

Trump's Family Separation Policy
2026-06-30
On this day in 2018, activists organized nationwide protests in opposition to the Trump administration’s family separation policy, which separated countless immigrant children from their parents and shed light on cruel practices that existed before and endured beyond Trump. Discuss this anniversary by citing the values of safety, equity, and community.

National Postal Worker Day
2026-07-01
On this day in 1997, Seattle-area postal workers organized the first National Postal Worker Day. From the COVID-19 pandemic to mail-in voting, recent events revealed how much we — and our democracy — depends on the essential labor of postal carriers and delivery workers. Cite the values of voice, community, and economic opportunity on this day.

Civil Rights Act of 1964
2026-07-02
On this day, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the landmark civil rights and labor law that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Use this anniversary to reaffirm the values of voice, economic opportunity, and community.
