Freedom Summer not only marked the mobilization of civil rights organizers in Mississippi during the 1960s, but it also yielded the creation of Freedom Schools and historic legislation. The fight for civil rights continues today, from voting rights to efforts to keep educators from teaching truthfully about our country’s full history. Use these resources next school year to help students contextualize Freedom Summer and how it connects to movements today.
Amid ongoing anti-trans legislation proposals, we urge you to acknowledge, uplift and teach about transgender women on this International Women’s Day—and throughout the year. This interview with transgender activist Hazel Edwards will help you reflect on ways to create a more inclusive environment for trans students. And displaying these One World posters featuring quotes by transgender women advocates will let your transgender students know you support them.
Current events may be hard to grapple with as multiple historically Black colleges and universities faced bomb threats, Minneapolis police fatally shot Amir Locke, and many states and districts continue to ban teaching inclusive books and talking about race. Amidst these aggressions, we want to remind Black educators to practice self-care—and all educators to elevate the importance of Black students’ experiences and their mental health. These resources can help.
Celebrate Black History Month and resist attempts to erase the democratic values of justice, equity, inclusivity and diversity — our nation’s strengths. Black history in the United States includes understanding Black people’s resilience and contributions to our nation, along with strategies for coalition-building and justice movements that are essential today. Learning for Justice offers the following resources to help discuss, teach and learn from Black history all year long.