On this day in 1967, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. told reporters in a press conference that the Southern Christian Leadership Conference would start an initiative that came to be called the Poor People’s Campaign. The campaign continues today. Discuss this anniversary by referring to the values of economic opportunity, equity, and voice.
Tag: social justice
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It was created by the United Nations to empower and ensure inclusion for persons with disabilities. Discuss this news hook by citing the values of voice, community, and economic opportunity.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
December 2 is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, another opportunity to uplift the need for an honest reckoning with the United States’ legacy of slavery. In telling your story, we recommend leading with the values of equity, voice, and economic opportunity.
World AIDS Day
Today is also World AIDS Day, an annual event on held on Dec. 1 to show support for those living with AIDS and to honor those who have died from AIDS-related illness.
Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat
On this day in 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in the “whites only” section on the bus, a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. This anniversary provides an opportunity to discuss the ongoing struggle for racial justice and counter efforts to undermine an honest recounting of our nation’s history. Reference the values of equity, voice, and community.
Harriet Tubman engineered her first rescue mission as part of the Underground Railroad
In December 1850, abolitionist Harriet Tubman engineered her first rescue mission as part of the Underground Railroad. The exact date is unknown. Tubman organized 13 rescues in which she led about 70 people to freedom. Tubman is the subject of the film, “Harriet.” Discuss Tubman’s legacy by citing the values of voice and equity.
Shirley Chisholm
Shirley Chisholm was born on this day in 1924. Chisolm was the first Black woman elected to Congress. Cite the values of Voice and Equality when talking about this day.
Department of Homeland Security
On this day in 2002, the Department of Homeland Security was founded when President George Bush signed the Homeland Security Act into law, more than a year after the September 11th attacks. This bold government restructuring reframed immigration as a national security issue. Use this anniversary to discuss the legacy of DHS agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol. Cite the values of safety, economic opportunity, and community when discussing this anniversary.
Black Friday
The Friday after Thanksgiving is often dubbed “Black Friday” because consumer spending puts retailers’ revenues “in the black.” As a counter to big business, the day after has been declared “Small Business Saturday.” Use these hooks to share the Shop Your Values campaign run by the Main Street Alliance that supports small businesses that are actively advocating for economic and racial justice across the country. Also see Give Women Your Money: A Shoppable Spreadsheet for women-lead businesses and Color of Change’s Black Business Green Book.
Thanksgiving Weekend
Thanksgiving is often a time when tough or awkward conversations arise around the dinner table. Use these tools to keep your conversations focused on values.
