With so many significant issues in the balance, it's imperative that we pay attention to the upcoming midterm elections, particularly on the local level. Young people, families and communities need to know how powerful their votes are in our democracy. These LFJ resources can help you support your students—and all the young people in your life—in learning about the voting process and ongoing civic responsibility.
Celebrate Pride Month by taking action to support LGBTQ+ youth in increasingly hostile school environments and in our communities. The new spring magazine feature “A Refuge for LGBTQ+ Young People” explains students’ rights and how gender and sexuality alliance (GSA) clubs provide spaces for young people to thrive. This new article and these LFJ resources highlight that everyone benefits when inclusivity is intentional.
People are continuously struggling to respond when traumatizing events occur. This time it’s the devastation in Mississippi following deadly tornadoes. For families, educators and community members who must respond to the needs of children as a traumatizing event unfolds, this new LFJ article and resources can help.
It’s essential to understand—and to teach young people—that enslaved Africans fought for their own liberation, including the first recorded rebellion on Sept. 1, 1663; the Stono Rebellion on Sept. 9, 1739; and David Walker’s September 1829 Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World. For resources on enslaved people’s work toward freedom, check out these texts and this summary objective from our Teaching Hard History framework.
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.
When it comes to investing in racial justice in education, we believe that the South is the best place to start. If you’re an educator, parent or caregiver, or community member living and working in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana or Mississippi, we’ll mail you a free introductory package of our resources when you join our community and subscribe to our magazine.