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.
Tag: inclusive democracy
Juneteenth
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.
19th Amendment
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.
Hiram Revels
On this day in 1870 (150 years ago), Hiram Revels was sworn in as senator from Mississippi, becoming the first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate. Revels is one of only 11 African Americans ever to have served in the United States Senate. Discuss this anniversary with the values of equity and voice.
January 6th
On this day last year, a violent mob agitated by disinformation — including the words of the president and some congressional members — descended upon the U.S. Capitol building to undermine a democratic election. As we look back at the deadly events of this date, it’s important to remind audiences of our long-term vision moving forward. Uplift the voices of BIPOC leaders and celebrate the resilience of communities who turned out to vote in an election year threatened by voter suppression, White Supremacist violence, and COVID-19. Emphasize the values of Voice, Safety, and Dignity.
Day of Remembrance: Japanese American Incarceration
On this day in 1942, the War Relocation Authority was established to relocate Japanese-Americans to internment camps. Discuss the significance of this anniversary by emphasizing the values of community and safety.
US v. Bhagat Singh Thind
On this day in 1923, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled in the case of United States v. Bhagat Singh Thind that an Indian Sikh man was ineligible for naturalized citizenship in the United States. The decision prevented South Asians from becoming American citizens. Discuss this anniversary by citing the values of opportunity and equity.
State of the Union
President Joe Biden will also deliver his 2023 State of the Union address this evening. Each year, the President of the United States goes before the full U.S. Congress to outline key issues impacting our democracy. Their remarks often signal the core issues Congress and the president’s party plan to focus on in the coming months. Use this hook to educate audiences on your priorities, whether or not they’re featured in the president’s remarks. Emphasize the importance of voice among the values you uplift on this day.
13th Amendment
On this day in 2013, Mississippi officially certified the 13th Amendment, becoming the last state to approve the abolition of slavery and involuntary servitude. The state voted against ratification in 1865, and in 1995 —130 years later— the state legislature voted to ratify the amendment but failed to notify the federal register. Use this anniversary to talk about the continued need for racial justice in the United States, especially in our criminal legal system. Cite the values of safety, opportunity, and community.
First Lunch Counter Sit-In
On this day in 1960, four civil rights protesters started the first lunch counter sit-in in Greensboro, NC. Use this anniversary to talk about the importance of civic action and standing up for racial justice. Cite the values of voice and community.
