“The battleground for racial justice remains in the South, and the victories for justice must be fought for and by ordinary people in the South together with allies from other parts of the nation. Although the pestilence of racism has historically affected the lives of Black and Brown people, its reach extends to all who counter the ideals of white supremacy. A shared story of us is clear as we collectively reconstruct a democracy that is real for all, not just some.
Creating communities is essential in our efforts toward a more inclusive society because, as Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn, LFJ deputy director of Learning & Engagement notes, “This work is more sustainable when we share it with others.” Whether for educators in spaces where censorship is a reality, young people and others who bear the brunt of oppressive policies and actions, or those who face targeted attempts of erasure, building connections reminds us we are not alone in this work.
As we celebrate Pride Month, supporting LGBTQ+ young people and families is essential. Inclusivity in education plays a critical role for all children, especially in the hostile environment created by discriminatory laws and censorship policies that threaten to erase LGBTQ+ identities and roll back the gains of recent years. Our resource page shares our articles and content on supporting LGBTQ+ people, including information on inclusive education practices and allyship, and provides links to external resources.