Public Defense Day commemorates the Supreme Court’s 1963 ruling that states must provide free legal counsel for people living in poverty. The case, Gideon v. Wainwright, was spurred by Clarence Earl Gideon who was charged with a felony in Florida state court and denied a court-appointed lawyer. The Supreme Court’s decision extended the right to counsel to state courts across the country. Discuss the importance of public defense by referring to the values of voice and equity.
Tag: intersectionality
Bayard Rustin
Civil rights leader Bayard Rustin was born on this day in 1912. As a gay black man who helped plan the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin’s life illustrates the reality of intersectional struggles. In February 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom posthumously pardoned Rustin for a 1953 conviction under laws that targeted LGBTQ people. Cite the values of equity and voice when talking about Rustin’s life.
Atlanta Spa Shootings
Today is the anniversary of the Atlanta spa shootings. The 2021 attack on three spas killed eight people, six of whom were women of Asian descent, and took place during a year marked by an increase in anti-Asian attacks across the country. When remembering this date, acknowledge how the intersectionality of racism, misogyny, and xenophobia has historically resulted in violence against Asian American women. And follow the lead of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) groups to center the voices countering anti-Asian racism in ways that align with Asian cultural practices.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was born on this day in 1933. Before becoming the second woman on the Supreme Court, the late Justice had a long legal career as an advocate for gender equality and women’s rights. As a cultural icon, her impact transcended courts. When discussing her legacy, it’s also important to note her mixed judicial record on issues of race and criminal justice, with particularly damaging decisions for indigenous rights. Cite the values of economic opportunity and voice.
International Women’s Day
Today is International Women’s Day. Use this event to discuss the importance of intersectionality and the need for both equity and inclusivity to guide collective action towards gender justice. Cite the values of voice, equity, and economic opportunity.
Women’s History Month
Women have long led the struggle for equal rights across movements — from voting to LGBTQ+ equality. And yet, women continue to bear unequal burdens, with women of color being hit particularly hard by economic, public health, and other inequities. As you celebrate Women’s History Month, emphasize the vital role that women have played in the struggle for racial justice, economic opportunity, and inclusive democracy. Cite the values of equity and voice.
Walt Whitman
Today is the birthday of Walt Whitman (b. 1819). Because Whitman criticized slavery and stood up for social justice, he is considered the first “poet of democracy” in the United States. The poet’s sexuality has been disputed but some still consider him a gay icon. Use Whitman’s birthday to discuss the role of artists in changing hearts and minds for lasting social change. Cite the values of voice and equity.
“Ain’t I a Woman?” Speech
On this day in 1851, Sojourner Truth made her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech at the Women’s Rights Convention held in Akron, Ohio. Today, scholars see the speech as an intersectional critique of single-issue activism. It’s also an important anniversary in light of the potential impacts abortion bans and other state-level legislative attacks on reproductive rights have on people of color. Use the values of voice, equity, and community to discuss this anniversary.
George Floyd
On this day in 2020, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd. Chauvin’s actions, caught on video by a courageous teenage bystander, fueled nationwide mobilizing and organizing. Chauvin was found guilty on three charges of murder and manslaughter, a rare case of police accountability that lower-profile cases have seldom seen. Remember George Floyd and cite the values of safety and equity on this anniversary.
Harvey Milk
Today is Harvey Milk Day, the birthday (in 1930) of one of the nation’s first openly gay elected officials. His life was cut short when he was assassinated in 1978. Milk’s life provides an important milestone in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. Cite the values of voice, equity, and safety when discussing Milk’s legacy.
