On this day in 1967, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. told reporters in a press conference that the Southern Christian Leadership Conference would start an initiative that came to be called the Poor People’s Campaign. The campaign continues today. Discuss this anniversary by referring to the values of economic opportunity, equity, and voice.
Tag: economic justice
Black Friday
The Friday after Thanksgiving is often dubbed “Black Friday” because consumer spending puts retailers’ revenues “in the black.” As a counter to big business, the day after has been declared “Small Business Saturday.” Use these hooks to share the Shop Your Values campaign run by the Main Street Alliance that supports small businesses that are actively advocating for economic and racial justice across the country. Also see Give Women Your Money: A Shoppable Spreadsheet for women-lead businesses and Color of Change’s Black Business Green Book.
Thanksgiving Weekend
Thanksgiving is often a time when tough or awkward conversations arise around the dinner table. Use these tools to keep your conversations focused on values.
Ruby Bridges
On this day in 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges integrated her New Orleans elementary school. She was escorted by four federal marshals and was met by a white mob who screamed insults and slurs. The historic impacts of redlining mean that true school integration is still an issue in neighborhoods nationwide. In the context of ongoing educational inequity and attacks on critical race theory, use this anniversary to discuss the need for real school integration and an honest reckoning with our nation’s history. Cite the values of equity, economic opportunity, and community.
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week
Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is sponsored each year by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness. The event is an annual opportunity for people to come together and draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness. When talking about homelessness this week, cite the values of community and economic opportunity.
Sesame Street Airing Anniversary
On Nov. 10, 1969, the public television children’s show, Sesame Street, first aired. At the time, it was the most racially diverse children’s show ever on TV. As one of the actors, Loretta Moore Long, noted, Sesame Street “seeks to bolster the Black and minority child’s self-respect and to portray the multi-ethnic, multicultural world into which both majority and minority child are growing.” Use this anniversary to talk about the need for inclusion and intersectionality in television programs. Cite the values of voice, equity, and community.
Fall of Berlin Wall
On Nov. 9, 1989 the Berlin Wall fell. The anniversary is an opportunity to discuss militarization at the U.S. southern border and pivot to an affirmative vision of what it looks like to protect human rights and invest in creating economic opportunity in border communities. Cite the values of safety and community.
Affordable Care Act Enrollment
Open enrollment for health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act starts Nov. 1 and will end on Jan. 15 (enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage to start on Jan. 1). November will be an important month for discussing the importance of access to healthcare by citing the value of economic opportunity.
Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month comes on the heels of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and presents an opportunity to emphasize how we must celebrate and honor — not erase — the past, present, and future of Native peoples in the United States. Discuss the values of voice and economic opportunity.
National Caregivers Month
During National Family Caregivers Month, it’s important to discuss the central role governments play in supporting caregivers. The COVID-19 pandemic added both clarity and urgency to create more comprehensive and equitable paid family and medical leave policies nationwide. Cite the values of community and economic opportunity.
