Washington Lawyers'​ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs’ Post

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American history when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, received news of their liberation in 1865, two and a half years after the declaration of the Emancipation Proclamation. Today is not just a commemoration of the past but a call to action for the present and future, and a time to reflect on the progress we've made and acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. I encourage you to take a moment to educate yourself about its significance, support Black-owned businesses, participate in local events, and engage in conversations about racial justice. Let us listen, learn, and take meaningful actions to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.   I found the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, linked below, to be informative, and if you have any other resources or creators you'd like to share, please add them to the comments below. Together, we can honor this day by building a future rooted in understanding, unity, and equality.   Read more at https://lnkd.in/eNMwQqtJ

Are you feeling disheartened by the chaos in Washington DC? Could it be that the deadlock in the federal government serves a purpose rather than being a problem? Perhaps the way our founding fathers designed the federal system was a stroke of genius intended to uphold the Constitution. This thought-provoking perspective from Justice Scalia may encourage leaders who take pride in micromanagement to rethink their approach. Leading by example and being hands-on are not synonymous with micromanaging. Just as a critical shouting fan does not become a coach or a player on the field, effective leaders recognize the difference between guidance and control. They strive to find a balance between the two. #Leadership

Executive Editor Kylie Burke explores Florida’s restrictive educational policies that have led to widespread book bans and the dilution fo African-American history in schools. As state restrictions threaten to erase crucial parts of American history, Black churches in Florida are stepping in, continuing a historic role as community educators. Kylie’s article highlights the resilience of these communities and their commitment to truth in education. https://lnkd.in/gQS4X_a7

#historyrewrite #farrightagenda #slavery #criticalracetheory =>Why it's important: inculcating kids with these falsehoods disposes them to vote for Republican candidates who repeat them as truth. More about this=>The rightwing US textbooks that teach slavery as ‘black immigration’ -- The Guardian analysis finds that private schools, especially Christian schools, use textbooks that tell of a version of history that is racially biased and inaccurate. https://lnkd.in/gTaHyyEU More about this=> New Florida standards teach students that some Black people benefited from slavery because it taught useful skills. https://lnkd.in/gmm9zkvQ

**Reflecting on History: A Step Towards Healing** In 1831, a coalition of Black leaders and white abolitionists proposed the nation’s first African American college in New Haven, Connecticut. Tragically, this vision for educational equity was rejected overwhelmingly by the city’s white male landowners—a vote that echoed across generations. Now, nearly 200 years later, New Haven is considering a public apology for the harm that decision caused. City Alder Thomas Ficklin Jr. championed this initiative, highlighting the importance of acknowledging our past to foster understanding and education. His recent passing underscores the urgency of this resolution, which aims to not only apologize but also to prompt educational programming in local schools and Yale University about this critical chapter in our history. This moment is about more than just an apology; it's about recognizing a pivotal moment in the fight for equal education and justice. As we reflect on this endeavor, let’s honor Alder Ficklin’s legacy and ensure this conversation continues, fostering healing and progress for future generations. #HistoryMatters #EducationalEquity #ApologyAndAction #CivilRights #Abolition #ConnecticutHistory

: T-ATP would like to acknowledge and honor #Juneteenth. We continue the legacy by ensuring educational access through #digitalliteracy and #cybersecurityeducation skills for African-American students. #digitalequity #digitalliteracymatters #digitalequitychampion #freedomday #history #justice #educationequity #educationpolicy #educationlaw #digitalinclusion #techforgood #techinnovation #eradicatingthedigitaldivideonestudentatatime

On this Juneteenth, please consider or share your alignment to the following: Reflection is meaningful but action is necessary!!! It's time to show that we learn from history and demonstrate understanding that we know it is inappropriate to try and rewrite history. We must ensure that truth prevails and we must respond in kind by leaving a legacy of FORWARD and not BACKWARD movement for younger generations. Is this not OUR moral imperative? #forward; #Juneteenth; #DEI

Experience the timeless wisdom of Justice Antonin Scalia as he delivers a powerful testimony on American exceptionalism and the enduring principles of the U.S. Constitution. In this 2011 testimony, Justice Scalia emphasizes the Constitution's role in preserving freedom and limiting government overreach, offering insights that remain deeply relevant today. This opening testimony is a must-watch for anyone seeking to understand the founding principles that make America unique. It is essential viewing for students, educators, and citizens alike, serving as a reminder of the importance of the Constitution in safeguarding liberty. Too often, the focus is on the Bill of Rights, rather than the mechanics of how our government operates and the safeguards our founders established. Every classroom in America should include this as part of their civics education to foster an appreciation of the ideals that shaped our nation.

On this #InternationalLiteracyDay not only do we need to celebrate #RubyBridges on what is also her birthday, we need to teach her story and read her work...and listen to her! “We’re still picking and choosing, and not judging each other by the content of our character," she said. "If we don’t stop that, we are going to lose this fight.” ~Ruby Bridges That "fight" is also very much about equity for every child. Literacy is a fundamental Civil Right. Without equitable access to high-quality evidence-based literacy programs, we are simply denying little ones the right to their best future. If we don't get this right, for every child, then nothing else is going to work-period. #CivilRights #EducationalEquity #LiteracyforAll #TheRighttoRead #LiteracyisaCivilRight

University of the West of England's (UWE Bristol) commitment to racial justice is a cause for celebration. Vice-Chancellor Steve West's powerful words at the Black History Month event and his insightful interview with Roger Griffith - MBE (link below), show that the institution is taking bold steps. The acknowledgment of institutional racism and commitment to developing an anti-racism strategy are significant steps forward. Data from UWE Bristol suggest that Black and minority ethnic students and staff experience disparities in awarding and progression. We have a responsibility to address these issues and create a more equitable institution, as Steve West himself stated, "We owe it to the generations to come." In addition to quantitative data, there is commitment to recognise the importance of lived experience in shaping the leadership on these issues. This ensures a more holistic approach to tackling racial injustice. This commitment can only truly succeed through a collective effort, a whole-university approach. Racial justice is not the responsibility of a single individual. It requires a systemic and sustained approach, such as an institution-wide strategy, with clear implementation plans and accountability mechanisms in place. Ultimately, a university should be a place where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. UWE's dedication to racial justice is a step towards this ideal. Great interview - watch part 1: https://lnkd.in/eFaBkHiC #antiracism #equity #inclusion #highereducation Dan Wood Marc Griffiths Emmanuel Adukwu PhD, FRSB, FHEA Roger Griffith - MBE