On this day in 1960, the American classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, was published. The book focused on racial inequality and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize. Use this anniversary to talk about the need for writers and other artists to challenge injustice. Refer to the values of voice and community.
Tag: economic justice
Niagara Movement
On July 11, 1905, W.E.B Du Bois and William Monroe Trotter gathered Black leaders and launched the Niagara Movement, one of the organizations that paved the way for the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The convening met at Niagara Falls, in Ontario, Canada, because hotels on the U.S. side of the falls barred Black people. Among their platform’s demands was the abolition of all caste distinctions based on race or color. Discuss this anniversary by citing the values of voice and equity.
National Postal Worker Day
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.
Trump’s Family Separation Policy
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.
Stonewall Uprising
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.
The G.I. Bill
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.
World Refugee Day
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
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.
DACA Announced by Pres. Obama
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.
Black Music Appreciation Month
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.
