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The 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom has become one of the most iconic events from the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ’60s. On the 60th anniversary of the march, which galvanized hundreds of thousands of people, it is essential to understand the movement’s challenges and triumphs and connect the past to the present to shape a better future.

The following resources can aid educators, parents and caregivers, and all community members in teaching and discussing the honest history of the 1963 March on Washington.

Parents and caregivers are at the forefront in efforts to give children the foundation to build future inclusive societies. Nationally recognized anti-racist writer and educator Britt Hawthorne recommends starting early with children to create homes “rooted in justice, compassion and love.” These LFJ resources include recommendations for growing readers and their families that affirm identities, celebrate diversity and highlight justice because, as Hawthorne explains, “When we’re genuinely in and relating to our community, we’ll sense the injustices and justices of the world.”

Martin Luther King Jr. is the most iconic figure of the Civil Rights Movement, but the narrative around his life and work is often oversimplified in classrooms and public discourse. We invite you to expand the narrative and teach a more complex and comprehensive view of Dr. King and a more honest history of the United States. Check out these Learning for Justice resources to better understand King’s strategies and goals, the context of the movement for equality and civil rights, and the work that remains to be done.

All young people—including LGBTQ+ youth and children of LGBTQ+ families—have the right to safe, affirming and inclusive schools; on this point, responsible adults agree. But currently, discriminatory laws and censorship policies across the country are targeting LGBTQ+ young people and families, erasing their histories and experiences. In our newest resource page, we’ve compiled numerous materials to help you support LGBTQ+ youth and families, as well as to understand, teach and celebrate LGBTQ+ history, stories and perspectives.

Recent headlines point to all kinds of student action, from tackling climate change to advocating for more equitable schools. But those of us who work with students know they're doing what young people have always done: leading the way toward necessary change. In this edition of The Moment, we offer resources to help you support your students when they stand up against injustice, fight for equity and take the lead in shaping a better future for all of us.