The Moment Archive

The Moment is LFJ’s online editorial column, which contains articles and content to address what is happening in social justice education—and society—right now.
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Let’s Talk About Baltimore

In racist tweets this weekend, the president again used dehumanizing language to describe a place that’s home to hundreds of thousands of people of color. When you talk with students about place, how do you uplift a diverse range of experiences, call out coded language and engage questions of justice? This edition of The Moment offers a few places to start, with recommendations for talking about Baltimore and stories of student and educator action that counter racist narratives about New Orleans and Detroit.

Puerto Rico and the Power of Protest

This week, residents of Puerto Rico stood together to demand accountability from their government. They saw their protests yield results with the resignation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló. When your students return this fall, you have an opportunity to talk with them about the necessity—and power—of standing together against injustice. These resources can help.

Is Your Collection Complete? What The Little Mermaid Can Teach Us About Class Libraries & Curricula

As fans celebrate the announcement that the newest live-action Disney film will feature a black actor in the lead role, we are yet again reminded of the importance of representation. This summer, we hope you’ll reflect on your own practice and check out these resources to ensure all students are reflected in your classroom and curriculum.

Holocaust Denial Isn’t Neutral

News of a Florida principal’s refusal to expand mandatory Holocaust education because he must remain “politically neutral” has been met with disbelief and anger. But it’s just an extreme example of a concern we hear all the time: Accusations of partisanship are used to pressure educators into silence on topics that matter. These resources are reminders that not every story has two sides—and it’s educators’ job to teach students the truth.

July 4th: Celebrating Liberty for Whom?

The Fourth of July is a quintessentially American holiday, but the celebrated right to liberty has never applied to every American. These resources can help you consider how July 4th fits into the complex relationship between the United States and its citizens of color and how you can bring this history and an important message to your diverse classrooms: There is no template for Americanness, and there never should have been.

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A map of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi with overlaid images of key state symbols and of people in community

Learning for Justice in the South

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.

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