The Film Independent Spirit Awards will air on Saturday, March 4 at 5:00 pm ET on Film Independent’s YouTube channel. The annual celebration uplifts the best independent film and television programming of the year. Visit Film Independent’s website to see the full list of nominees and find more information on how to watch this year’s show.
Tag: social justice
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was created on this day in 2002. Despite the mountain of evidence documenting the agency’s disregard for human life and cruel practices, Congress and the White House continue funding an agency that has deported millions of people and separated thousands of families. Cite the values of safety, 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.
Met Gala
The Met Gala, or Met Ball, is an annual event bringing together celebrities, influencers, politicians, and other high-profile individuals to celebrate the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. Organized by Vogue around a particular theme, the event has become a platform for personalities to showcase innovative fashion and, at times, to make political statements. The gala – which is mostly accessible only to the wealthy – has also drawn much criticism, and protests are often held across the street. Use the event to talk about economic justice, sustainability and climate change, and social responsibility. Cite the values of opportunity and equity.
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.
Star Wars Day
Star Wars Day celebrates the Star Wars media franchise created by writer and director George Lucas. Starting with the iconic Skywalker film series and expanding to TV, books, comics, and even fan fiction, the world of Star Wars has grown to address various themes including family, caregiving, labor rights, activism, rebellion, criminal justice, and more. Use today to lift up your campaigns. Cite the values of economic opportunity, voice, equity, and community.
Resurrection City
On this day in 1968, only a few weeks after the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., civil rights activists formed the Poor People’s Campaign and set up a shantytown known as “Resurrection City” on the National Mall to draw attention to poverty in the United States. Many saw this as an initiative to complete King’s unfinished work. Use the anniversary of this action to discuss the values of community, voice, and economic opportunity.
Yuri Kochiyama & Malcolm X
Today is the birthday of two racial justice champions: Yuri Kochiyama (1921) and Malcolm X (1925). Talk about their important work with your networks while also asserting the need for ongoing activism to address social and economic injustice. Cite the values of voice, equity, and economic opportunity.
Yick Wo v. Hopkins
On this day in 1886, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Yick Wo v. Hopkins that all people—citizens and non-citizens—had equal protection under the law. The case stemmed from San Francisco’s discriminatory issuing of permits for laundries. Discuss this anniversary citing the values of equity, voice, and community.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is an important time to discuss economic and racial justice for families. Past campaigns include creative interventions to share more inclusive “Mama’s Day” cards, release mothers from jail while advocating for an end to money bail, or oppose the separation and detention of families arriving at our borders. Celebrate the values of equity, economic opportunity, and community.
