How can history help us resist hate in society today and work toward a more inclusive future? Opposition to equality is, unfortunately, not new to the history of the United States. Recognizing the relevance of history to today’s justice movements is crucial for understanding and countering current pushbacks against democratic values. And with the intense efforts to dismantle public education and to erase and alter our country’s history, teaching accurate history — including the hard truths of our nation’s past — is essential.
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.
Through learning that teaches honest history, introduces servant leadership (an approach that focuses on leadership in service of the community) and eases entry into the movement for justice, Youth Learning for Justice aims to help young people realize their power to shape the future.
October is Youth Justice Action Month. Commit with us to work toward transforming harmful systems and creating more supportive communities in which all young people can thrive. An important step in creating change together is participating in our election process. Our votes matter.
