The movement for Black lives has spread across the United States and around the globe in a historic wave of protests following the murder of George Floyd. While there is sudden and hopeful momentum on racial justice, much work is ahead of us. Partners of The Opportunity Agenda who have long worked on racial justice issues are stepping up in this historic moment, and we've compiled some of their resources in this week's Amp.
Amplify Values In These Emerging Issues
Resources in the Movement for Black Lives
Pledges to listen, learn, and do more in support of Black lives and racial justice are suddenly widespread as outrage over police and vigilante violence against Black people has finally made it clear that silence in the face of racial injustice equates to taking the side of the status quo, injustice, and oppression. A chorus of voices from entertainment, culture, business, and politics — many of whom have long been silent on racism — have publicly acknowledged their roles in sustaining white supremacy. Books on race and racism, have taken over the bestseller lists, as many examine their own participation in systems of oppression. The Minneapolis City Council has pledged to dismantle its long-troubled police department. Other cities and congressional leaders are beginning to reexamine and rethink public safety and criminal justice in response to the rallying cry, "Defund the police," heard at protests around the globe. This week, we've compiled resources from The Opportunity Agenda and our partners to help you take action and share tools useful at this historic moment.
From The Opportunity Agenda:
- Our Transforming the System tool was featured in a recent Obama Foundation roundup of racial justice resources.
- 8 Lessons for Talking About Race
Resources from our partners:
- Petition: Defund the Police and Invest in Black Communities (Defending Black Lives)
- Healing In Action Toolkit (Black Lives Matter)
- Anat Shenker-Osorio and The Race Class Narrative Action’s messaging guide on policing, protest, and racial injustice
- Telling The Right Story on Race During Covid (Color of Change)
- The Black Joy Experience Project (BYP100)
- Racism Laid Bare with COVID-19 (Shriver Center on Poverty Law)
- #BuildCommunities Plan (Just Leadership USA)
Upcoming Media Hooks & Events
June 10 - 24
Events and Cultural Hooks:
Throughout the month of June:
- Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month, an opportunity to discuss intersectional issues for the LGBTQ community, including racial and economic justice.
- Immigrant Heritage Month is an opportunity to talk about the economic challenges and contributions of immigrants in the United States.
June 20:
- World Refugee Day commemorates the strength, courage, and perseverance of millions of refugees. With the Covid pandemic, it’s an important time to connect this international observance to what’s happening in the United States and across the world.
June 21:
- Father's Day is an important time to talk about racial justice and economic opportunity with your audiences. With the separation of immigrant families at the border and around the U.S., this holiday provides another opportunity to talk about the need for family unity. Focus on the values of Economic Security and Mobility.
Birthdays and Anniversaries:
- June 12, 1967 — Loving Day celebrates the Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia, which struck down all state laws banning interracial marriage.
- June 12, 1987 — President Ronald Reagan's "Tear Down this Wall" speech in Berlin, a moment that contrasts with the Trump administration's efforts to separate and isolate communities and nations with its border wall.
- June 13, 1966 — Supreme Court decision in Ernesto Miranda v. Arizona requires law enforcement to remind anyone who is arrested of their rights.
- June 15, 2012 — President Obama creates the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. A Supreme Court decision on President Trump's attempt to end the program is expected from the Supreme Court this month.
- June 15, 1982 — In its Plyler v. Doe decision, the Supreme Court makes it illegal to deny K-12 education based on immigration status.
- June 19, 1865 — Juneteenth commemorates the day enslaved Americans in Texas gained their freedom — two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
- June 22, 1944 — President Harry S. Truman signs the G.I. Bill allowing thousands of World War II veterans to apply for funds for college education, unemployment insurance, and housing loans. Less than 2% of the mortgages would go to people of color. Use the anniversary to discuss the role of government in providing economic opportunity to all Americans.
