On this day in 1973, the Supreme Court upheld the “right to privacy” in the case of Roe v. Wade, protecting the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion nationwide. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn decades of precedent in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization significantly threatens reproductive justice in numerous states. The decision also galvanized communities and voters to take action and pass new protections upholding people’s right to access safe abortions. When talking about this anniversary, cite the values of opportunity, voice, and equity.
Tag: gender justice
Nina Simone
On this day in 1933, singer, songwriter, pianist, and activist Nina Simone was born. Throughout her career, Simone fearlessly spoke out against injustice. Use the anniversary of Simone’s birth as the opportunity to talk about the example she provided for artists to be activists and cultural influencers. Cite the values of voice and equity.
State of Indian Nations
Each year, the president of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) presents the State of Indian Nations around the same time as the U.S. president’s State of the Union. To facilitate direct engagement, a member of Congress is also invited each year to deliver a congressional response.
NBA All-Star Game
This weekend, the National Basketball Association (NBA) hosts its All-Star Game. Professional basketball players — from the NBA and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) — have been important cultural influencers in the Movement for Black Lives. Many WNBA athletes have also actively organized in support of pay equity. Use this weekend to talk about racial and gender justice both on and off the court. Cite the values of voice, equity, and safety.
Toni Morrison & Audre Lorde
Today is the birthday of two influential African-American writers/activists: Toni Morrison and Audre Lorde. They were born a few years apart. Throughout their careers, they explored the intersectional issues of race, gender, and sexuality. Morrison won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1993. Use their birthdays to raise the values of voice and equity.
Super Bowl
Today is Super Bowl Sunday in Glendale, AZ. While the big game is best known for entertaining commercials and snack spreads, the media event surrounding it has also created opportunities for cultural strategies, from Beyoncé’s iconic halftime show to activism for NFL teams to drop offensive and disparaging Native American mascots. Cite the values of voice and equity.
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA)
On this day in 1993, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) which requires most employers to provide job-protected and unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons to their employees. The law was an important step for worker rights but today advocates are pushing for paid family and medical leave for all workers. Cite the values of opportunity and equity when discussing this anniversary.
World Hijab Day
Today is also the annual celebration of World Hijab Day. This international day of action aims to bring attention to the discrimination and prejudice Muslim women face in the workplace and in communities. Cite the values of voice and safety.
Black History Month
While Black History Month is officially commemorated during February, we honor Black history and celebrate Black excellence and futures year-round. This month — and into March — opportunities abound for telling an affirmative story about racial justice in the United States. Cite the values of voice and community in sharing these resources with your audiences.
Aretha Franklin
Today is also the birthday of Aretha Franklin in 1942. Use the anniversary of her birth to talk about the role of influential artists in fighting for the values of voice, equity, and community.
