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Polarization is toxic to democracy and limits us — as individuals, organizations and nations — in our ability to respond to the critical needs of today. A culture of dialogue creates opportunities to reach across our differences and to engage one another, which is crucial for strengthening democracy, especially in the face of growing authoritarianism. Embracing a national identity built on democratic values can help us recognize our shared humanity. These Learning for Justice resources can help build understanding to address the questions: What is dialogue across difference?

As we celebrate Pride by honoring queer trailblazers, we want to especially uplift Black and Brown trans women and gender nonconforming people of color who led liberation movements nationwide. Out of the Stonewall Uprising came the very celebration of Pride we know today—and we have activists like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy to thank. Use these resources to center queer Black and Brown activists who fought back against police brutality and oppression while also teaching about the continued fight for justice.

This year, as we honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we want to reflect upon the reality of his mission and share with young people the complexity of both the man and the civil rights movement. In recent years, King’s legacy has been used in attacks on critical race theory and attempts to undermine social justice education. These LFJ resources—including words of wisdom from the late Rep. John Lewis—can aid in understanding the contemporary significance of the civil rights movement in countering policies that attempt to limit teaching honest history.