On this day in 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act into law. This created Head Start and nine other federal programs to combat poverty. Use this hook to discuss the benefits that these programs have had for Americans and how government should invest in “human infrastructure” to ensure everyone has access to a basic standard of living. Reference the values of economic opportunity and community.
Tag: economic justice
Social Security Act
On this day in 1935, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act. Use this anniversary to discuss the importance of social security to creating economic opportunity for both older Americans and communities of color, including children.
Birth of Hip-Hop
On this day in 1973, hip-hop was officially born. At a dance party in the Bronx, NY, DJ Kool Herc used two turntables to create a “break beat.” Hip hop became a messaging tool for political activism. Use this anniversary to talk about art and culture’s role in creating social justice. Cite the values of voice and community.
Watts Rebellion
In 1965, the Watts Rebellion was ignited by the violent arrest of an African-American driver in Los Angeles. Use this anniversary to discuss policing and economic opportunity with your networks. Cite the values of safety and equity.
Medicaid and Medicare
On this day in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson created both Medicaid and Medicare by signing into law an amendment to the Social Security Act. Investments in Medicaid to expand access to programs like Medicaid HCBS opens doors for people with disabilities to live near family, friends and contribute to our communities. Refer to the values of opportunity and community.
Americans with Disabilities Act
On this day in 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This was the result of many years of advocacy by disability rights activists and allies. Use the anniversary to discuss the critical importance of accessibility in both government policy and social movements. Use the values of equity and opportunity.
Tuskegee Syphilis Study
On this day in 1972, the Washington Star broke the story of the unethical Tuskegee Syphilis Study conducted on 600 African-American sharecroppers. The exposure led to fundamental changes in medical research. Use this anniversary to underscore the importance of media coverage about people living in poverty and how systemic racism impacts healthcare outcomes in Black and brown communities. Cite the values of equity and community.
Emma Lazarus
Poet Emma Lazarus was born on this day in 1849. Her poem “The New Colossus” is inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty and is frequently quoted in the immigration debate. How we treat people arriving at our borders speaks volumes about the values that define our nation’s laws. Use this hook to talk about the importance of welcoming immigrants and refugees and refer to the values of community, safety, and opportunity.
Comic-Con International
The Comic-Con International show kicks off today in San Diego, CA. The massive crowds that flock to this convention make it one of the can’t-miss annual events for lovers of popular arts and comics. The conference presents an opportunity for creative interventions uplifting the powerful impact of pop culture representation—#PowerofPop—to shape narratives through the stories we love. Cite the values of voice, economic opportunity, and equity.
Ida B. Wells
On this day in 1862, Ida B. Wells was born. Wells founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was a pioneering journalist, one of the first to investigate lynchings across the United States. Use her birthday as a hook to discuss the importance of working for racial and economic justice. Cite the values of economic opportunity, equity, and voice.
