Social Movements & the Law

"As we become more aware of various social injustices in the world, many of us want to be part of the movement toward positive change. But sometimes our best intentions cause unintended harm, and we fumble. We might feel afraid to say the wrong thing and feel guilt for not doing or knowing enough. Sometimes we might engage in performative allyship rather than thoughtful solidarity, leaving those already marginalized further burdened and exhausted. The feelings of fear, insecurity, inadequacy are all too common among a wide spectrum of changemakers, and they put many at a crossroads between feeling stuck and giving up, or staying grounded to keep going. So how can we go beyond performative allyship to creating real change in ourselves and in the world, together? In The Wake Up, Michelle MiJung Kim shares foundational principles often missing in today's mainstream conversations around "diversity and inclusion," inviting readers to deep dive into the challenging and nuanced work of pursuing equity and justice, while exploring various complexities, contradictions, and conflicts inherent in our imperfect world. With a mix of in-the-trenches narrative and accessible unpacking of hot button issues--from inclusive language to representation to "cancel culture"--Michelle offers sustainable frameworks that guide us how to think, approach, and be in the journey as thoughtfully and powerfully as possible."--Amazon.com

"The illuminating and deeply personal debut from Gabriela Maya Bernadett, Stories My Grandmother Told Me explores culture, race, and chosen family, set against the backdrop of the twentieth-century American Southwest. In a hilly Southern California suburb in the late twentieth century, Gabriela Maya Bernadett listens as her grandmother tells her a story. It's the true story of Esther Small, the great-granddaughter of slaves, who became one of the few Black students to graduate from NYU in the 1940s. Having grown up in Harlem, Esther couldn't imagine a better place to live; especially not somewhere in the American Southwest. But when she learns of a job teaching Native American children on a reservation, Esther decides to take a chance. She soon finds herself on a train to Fort Yuma, Arizona; unaware that each year, the Bureau of Indian Affairs kidnaps the native Tohono O'odham children from the reservation and forces them to be educated in the 'ways of the White man.' It doesn't take long for Esther to notice how Fort Yuma parallels her own grandmother's story as a slave in the South--the native children, constantly belittled by teachers and peers, are forced to perform manual labor for local farmers. One of two Black people in Fort Yuma, Esther feels isolated, never sure where she belongs in a community deeply divided between the White people and the Tohono O'odhams. John, the school bus driver and Tohono O'odham tribe member, is one of the only people she connects with. Friendship slowly grows into love, and together, Esther and John navigate a changing America. Seamlessly weaving in the present day with the past, Stories My Grandmother Told Me blends a woman's memory of her life, and that woman's granddaughter's memories of how she heard these stories growing up. Bernadett's captivating narrative explores themes of identity, tradition, and belonging, showing what it really means to exist in a multicultural America."--

"Examines the McGirt v. Oklahoma case from historical and legal perspectives, placing the case within the historical context from which it derived, the legal context that took the case to the Supreme Court, and the legal and political implications of the decision."

"This work provides an essential national-level look at an intriguing and impactful form of Indigenous resistance. It describes, in great detail, the continuing assaults made on Native peoples and tribal sovereignty in the United States during the twenty-first century, and it sketches the visions of the future that Indians at the BIA and in Indian Country have been crafting for themselves"--

"The first collection of its kind, this anthology by members of the Mohawk Warrior Society uncovers a hidden history and paints a bold portrait of the spectacular experience of Kanien'keh:ka survival and self-defense. Providing extensive documentation, context, and analysis, the book features foundational writings by prolific visual artist and polemicist Karoniaktajeh Louis Hall (1918-1993)--such as his landmark 1979 pamphlet, The Warrior's Handbook, as well as selections of his pioneering artwork. This book contains new oral history by key figures of the Rotisken'rhakhte's revival in the 1970s, and tells the story of the Warriors' famous flag, their armed occupation of Ganienkeh in 1974, and the role of their constitution, the Great Peace, in guiding their commitment to freedom and independence. We hear directly the story of how the Kanien'keh:ka Longhouse became one the most militant resistance groups in North America, gaining international attention with the Oka Crisis of 1990. This auto-history of the Rotisken'rhakhte is complemented by a Mohawk history timeline from colonization to the present, a glossary of Mohawk political philosophy, and new maps in the Kanien'kha language. At last, the Mohawk Warriors can tell their own story with their own voices, and to serve as an example and inspiration for future generations struggling against the environmental, cultural, and social devastation cast upon the modern world."--

"A collection of essays taking aim at the legitimacy of the modern feminist movement, arguing that it has chronically failed to address the needs of all but a few women"--

"This book contains personal stories by and about some of the most revered and influential judges in the United States. They also provide a unique and deeply instructive glimpse into our justice system. In the following pages you will come across a remarkable array of female jurists: trailblazers, legal entrepreneurs, political strategists and mentors. This is a book about imagination, and what it took and still takes for women, and by extension other minorities invisible to the constitution and the law, to imagine themselves into a structure that didn't include them"--

"Librarians need to understand the needs and abilities of differently abled patrons, and anyone responsible for hiring and managing librarians must know how to provide an equitable environment. This book serves as an educational resource for both groups"--;"Understanding the needs and abilities of patrons who are differently abled increases librarians' ability to serve them from childhood through adulthood. While some librarians are fortunate to have had coursework to help them understand the needs and abilities of the differently abled, many have had little experience working with this diverse group. In addition, many persons who are differently abled are--or would like to become--librarians. Disabilities and the Library helps readers understand the challenges faced by people who are differently abled, both as patrons and as information professionals. Readers will learn to assess their library's physical facilities, programming, staff, and continuing education to ensure that their libraries are prepared to include people of all abilities. Inclusive programming and collection development suggestions will help librarians to meet the needs of patrons and colleagues with mobility and dexterity problems, learning differences, hearing and vision limitations, sensory and cognitive challenges, autism, and more. Additional information is included about assistive and adaptive technologies and web accessibility. Librarians will value this accessible and important book as they strive for equity and inclusivity"--

We need to invest in building communities for those who have been furthest from opportunity, writes Highland Project founder Gabrielle Wyatt.

BCG recently surveyed 2,230 transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) employees in eight countries and conducted 34 interviews with TGNC employees. They found that TGNC employees want respect in the workplace, which is both reasonable and achievable for organizations committed to DEI. While everyone is responsible for creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive workplace, CEOs, HR departments, and managers stand out in their ability to make a difference. The authors unpack the data and present several strategies for creating inclusive cultures for TGNC employees.

Attacks on DEI have drawn criticism from Black and Hispanic leaders, students and faculty groups.

March is Women’s History Month and the CRIVblog would like to highlight some sources of information related to Women’s History and legal rights for women.   First up is The National Women…

A unique autobiography unparalleled in American Indian literature, and a deeply moving account of a woman's triumphant struggle to survive in a hostile world. This is the powerful autobiography of Mary Brave Bird, who grew up in the misery of a South Dakota reservation. Rebelling against the violence and hopelessness of reservation life, she joined the tribal pride movement in an effort to bring about much-needed changes.

"Can the specific concerns of Indigenous women be addressed within current mainstream feminist and post-colonial discussions? Indigenous Women and Feminism: Politics, Activism, Culture proposes that a dynamic new line of inquiry -- Indigenous feminism -- is necessary to truly engage with the crucial issues of cultural identity, nationalism, and decolonization particular to Indigenous contexts;Through the lenses of politics, activism, and culture, this wide-ranging collection examines the historical roles of Indigenous women, their intellectual and activist work, and the relevance of contemporary literature, art, and performance for an emerging Indigenous feminist project. The questions at the heart of these essays -- What is at stake in conceptualizing Indigenous feminism? How does feminism relate to Indigenous claims to land and sovereignty? What lessons can we learn from the past? How do Indigenous women engage ongoing violence and social and political marginalization? -- cross disciplinary, national, academic, and activist boundaries to explore in depth the unique political and social positions of Indigenous women;A vital and sophisticated discussion that will change the way we think about modern feminism, Indigenous Women and Feminism will be invaluable to scholars, activists, artists, community organizers, and those concerned with Indigenous and feminist issues at home and abroad."--Pub. desc

"Despite what major media sources say, violence against Native women is not an epidemic. An epidemic is biological and blameless. Violence against Native women is historical and political, bounded by oppression and colonial violence. This book, like all of Sarah Deer's work, is aimed at engaging the problem head-on--and ending it. The Beginning and End of Rape collects and expands the powerful writings in which Deer, who played a crucial role in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2013, has advocated for cultural and legal reforms to protect Native women from endemic sexual violence and abuse. Deer provides a clear historical overview of rape and sex trafficking in North America, paying particular attention to the gendered legacy of colonialism in tribal nations--a truth largely overlooked or minimized by Native and non-Native observers. She faces this legacy directly, articulating strategies for Native communities and tribal nations seeking redress. In a damning critique of federal law that has accommodated rape by destroying tribal legal systems, she describes how tribal self-determination efforts of the twenty-first century can be leveraged to eradicate violence against women. Her work bridges the gap between Indian law and feminist thinking by explaining how intersectional approaches are vital to addressing the rape of Native women. Grounded in historical, cultural, and legal realities, both Native and non-Native, these essays point to the possibility of actual and positive change in a world where Native women are systematically undervalued, left unprotected, and hurt. Deer draws on her extensive experiences in advocacy and activism to present specific, practical recommendations and plans of action for making the world safer for all."--

Angela Y. Davis has been a political activist at the cutting edge of the Black liberation, feminist, queer, and prison abolitionist movements. Fifty years after its original publication, the author revisits her life's story in print.

Center podcasts are a great way to keep up with today's poverty research and public policy. We record most of our conference ...

‎News · 2022

Conversations about where we’re at and how we move forward.

Welfare advocate Jack Frech has taken reporters on "poverty tours" of Athens County, Ohio, for years. But has media attention made any difference in the lives of the Appalachian poor? 

The Brookings Institution reports that the difference in life expectancy between the rich and the poor and between whites and minorities has more than doubled since the 1920s.  In Georgia, access to quality healthcare may come down to how much you earn, the color of your skin, and where you live. Jemea Dorsey, CEO of the Center for Black Women's Wellness joins "Issue @ Hand" to discuss how her organization is working to overcome healthcare disparities. *****Purchase this program and many others here: https://www.aibtv.com/shopaib/ ********* ****** Be sure to follow AIB on social media! ******* FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/watchaibtv/ INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/watchaibtv/ TWITTER: https://twitter.com/watchaibtv

Native communities have been hit hard by COVID-19 -- and fear for their survival

New America CA is committed to ensuring that the perspectives of Latinx communities are heard and incorporated as California develops innovative solutions to pressing public problems. As we grapple with the enormous repercussions of the global pandemic, we are dedicated to shining a light on the impacts on all Californians. While it is true that the COVID-19 outbreak impacts all Americans, it has, quite simply, impacted the Latinx community disproportionately. The coronavirus has highlighted disparities in the workplace and in society, which have long gone unaddressed. The more we understand these challenges as we rebuild from this crisis, the greater the likelihood that we will emerge as a more inclusive and just place. Join New America CA on Tuesday, July 7th at 2:30 PM PDT for Latinx Economic Resilience in the Time of COVID. This live streamed conversation will feature local and national experts who will provide insights and resources, as well as move attendees toward action-oriented solutions. The conversation will focus on understanding the challenges facing Latinx workers and families, especially those experiencing increased economic precarity during the COVID-19 crisis. We'll focus on solutions, exploring ways to meet families' immediate income needs, as well as their employment needs via access to more recession-resilient jobs and skills in the future. Economic equity leaders will share the needs they are seeing, along with resources and ideas that can help Latinx communities thrive during and after the pandemic. GUESTS: Jacqueline Martinez Garcel, @JMGarcel Chief Executive Officer, Latino Community Foundation Irma Olguin Jr., @irms CEO & Co-founder, Bitwise Industries José A. Quiñonez, @MAFCEO CEO, Mission Asset Fund MacArthur "Genius" Fellow Amanda Renteria, @AmandaRenteria Chief Executive Officer, Code for America MODERATORS: Lili Gangas, @LilsG31 Chief Technology Community Officer, Kapor Center Cecilia Muñoz, @cecmunoz Vice President, Local Initiatives, New America Former Director - Domestic Policy Council, Obama White House Made possible by the generosity of the Kapor Center. ==================================== We are dedicated to renewing the promise of America by continuing the quest to realize our nation's highest ideals, honestly confronting the challenges caused by rapid technological and social change, and seizing the opportunities those changes create. Subscribe to our channel for new videos on a wide range of policy issues: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=newamericafoundation Subscribe to The New America Weekly and other newsletters: http://www.newamerica.org/subscribe/# Visit newamerica.org

What is intersectionality? The term intersectionality was coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw in her 1989 essay “Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex”. Intersectionality is defined as the way different forms of discrimination overlap, combine, and intersect, especially as it applies to marginalized groups. It generally refers to sexism, racism, and classism, but the meaning has evolved since it was introduced, encompassing sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, and even region (Western vs. non-Western, for example). As this topic continues to gain momentum, it’s imperative that libraries provide the necessary resources to empower researchers, professors and students to fully explore this timely topic and analyze the myriad of viewpoints and angles that are having a significant impact on our society today. We hope you will join us for this Choice webinar as we grapple with the topic from the researcher and instructor perspective and understand the indispensable role the library has to play. Event page: https://www.choice360.org/webinars/exploring-intersectionality-and-lgbtq-issues-with-primary-sources-and-ebooks/

ColorLines' Jamilah King interviews the Freedom Center for Social Justice's Bishop Tonyia Rawls. Full article: https://www.colorlines.com/articles/lgbt-rights-and-communities-color-south-video ColorLines is a daily news site where race matters, featuring award-winning in-depth reporting, news analysis, opinion, and curation. ColorLines is published by Race Forward, a national organization that advances racial justice through research, media, and practice. https://twitter.com/colorlines https://facebook.com/colorlines http://colorlines.com ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1981, Race Forward brings systemic analysis and an innovative approach to complex race issues to help people take effective action toward racial equity. Founded in 2002, CSI catalyzes community, government, and other institutions to dismantle structural racial inequity and create equitable outcomes for all. The new Race Forward is home to the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), a national network of government working to achieve racial equity and advance opportunities for all. Race Forward publishes the daily news site Colorlines and presents Facing Race, the country’s largest multiracial conference on racial justice. https://raceforward.org https://twitter.com/RaceForward https://facebook.com/RaceForward

LIVE NOW: Join us for our LGBTQ #BlackLivesMatter town hall with Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David, Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith, Civil Rights Attorney Michele K. Rayner-Goolsby, Minneapolis City Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins for Ward 8, and The National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Imani Rupert-Gordon.

AFI DOCS 2016 Filmmaker Forum: "What's Gender (Race, Ethnicity, Class) Got to Do with It?" The visibility of women filmmakers in recent years has reached unprecedented levels. A steady stream of articles in the New York Times, Hollywood Reporter, Variety, IndieWire and others have detailed the struggles women face behind the camera. Multiple research centers across the country confirm that women continue to face barriers in employment and funding opportunities. This fight to raise awareness around gender discrimination in the industry has culminated in the federal government launching investigations into Hollywood's hiring practices. But is the revolution reaching every woman in equal measure? Is filmmaking possible for the working class or working mother? Are the experiences of women of color meaningfully included in this debate? Is producing a "woman's film" a barrier to financing and distribution? Emerging and established filmmakers share their perspectives on what it takes to sustain a career on this panel moderated by Women Make Movies founder, Debra Zimmerman. Moderator Debra Zimmerman (Executive Director, Women Make Movies) Panelists Tracy Droz Tragos (ABORTION: STORIES WOMEN TELL, RICH HILL) Steph Ching (AFTER SPRING) Ellen Martinez (AFTER SPRING) Farihah Zaman (Field of Vision, Brown Girls Doc Mafia) Sponsored by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation in partnership with the National Education Association and the American Counseling Association present Time To THRIVE, the annual national conference to promote safety, inclusion and well-being for LGBTQ youth...everywhere! We are making progress on the road to legal equality, yet young LGBTQ people in America still face dramatically heightened rates of discrimination in school, at home and within their community. The impact of family rejection, bullying and the messages they hear about being LGBTQ weigh heavily on our youth. By engaging a broad audience of youth-serving professionals, including K-12 educators, mental health providers, pediatricians, religious leaders, recreational athletic coaches and youth development staff (Boys and Girls Club, YMCAs, scout leaders, etc.), we can create spaces in which LGBTQ youth are affirmed, supported and have the ability to thrive. The HRC Foundation creates impact through 11 programs and initiatives, working with individuals and organizations to make transformational change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ+ people. The Human Rights Campaign envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality under the law. We empower our 3 million members and supporters to mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized people in our community. Follow us! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humanrightscampaign Twitter: https://twitter.com/hrc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanrightscampaign TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@humanrightscampaign Visit our website: https://www.hrc.org #HRC #HRCFoundation #TimeToThrive

Intersectionality is a concept often used in critical theories to describe the ways in which oppressive institutions (racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, xenophobia, classism, etc.) are interconnected and cannot be examined separately from one another. Intersectionality considers different systems of oppression, and specifically how they overlap and are compounded. This episode will examine intersectionality in the LGBT movement and how even within minority groups, there exists a hierarchy of privilege (Gender, gender expression, class etc.) In this episode, Arit Okpo sits down with Buky Williams, Executive Director of Education as a Vaccine (EVA).