Honor the Fourth of July With a Commitment to Democracy
“Democracy is not a state. It is not some high plateau that we struggle to reach so we can finally settle down to rest. Democracy is an act. It is an act that requires participation, organization and dedication to the highest principles.” —Rep. John Lewis
This Fourth of July, commit to the movement for democracy, human rights and justice. Understanding the honest history of the United States means contextualizing this holiday into the complex relationship between the U.S. and its citizens of color.
Disability Is Diversity: Focus on Creating Inclusive Environments
“Disability is the way other people don’t accommodate you or respond to you.”
—Ashley Dalton, Southern Poverty Law Center
Changing the learning environment to be more inclusive—instead of a focus on changing the learner—creates opportunities for accessible education practices that benefit all young people. These LFJ magazine articles explain how, for children to thrive in more inclusive learning environments, social justice and equity movements must include intersecting identities and disability rights.
Disability Is Diversity
Confronting Ableism on the Way to Justice
Critical Practices for Social Justice Education
Fighting for Voting Rights and Education
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) enabled millions of Black and other voters of color an opportunity to participate in our democracy. Ten years ago, on June 25, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder significantly weakened a key provision of the landmark VRA. These LFJ articles remind us of the struggle for voting rights and education and the powerful legacy of Freedom Summer 1964. As we confront current voter suppression and education censorship, let us continue the fight for justice in today's movement.
Freedom Schools for Today’s Justice Movement
Connect Voting Rights History to Current Policies and Discourse
Where Do We Go From Here?
Celebrate Juneteenth and Support the Ongoing Justice Movement
“Juneteenth offers a moment for those who envision a just society to elevate and support the ongoing freedom movement no matter where they live. It opens possibilities to do the real work of uncovering honest history—and to be honest with ourselves, especially in the wake of racial violence.” —Juneteenth Observances Promote ‘Absolute Equality’
Juneteenth—celebrated June 19—marks the announcement in June of 1865 to enslaved Black Texans that they were free. These LFJ articles help to contextualize the holiday and the ongoing fight for justice and freedom.
Juneteenth Observances Promote ‘Absolute Equality’
Teaching Juneteenth
My Pride Is Black, My Juneteenth Is Queer
LGBTQ+ Rights Are Human Rights
As we celebrate Pride against the backdrop of legislation designed to roll back gains to protect the human rights of LGBTQ+ youth in the nation’s schools and communities, these LFJ resources from the latest issue of Learning for Justice magazine—including a Q&A with activists Nikole Parker and Brandon Wolf from Equality Florida—showcase ways to support and affirm young people in this moment that requires a strategic focus on the South for the greater good of our democracy and nation.