June 21, 2023

NEW PUBLICATION
Critical Practices for Social Justice Education 
The new Critical Practices for Social Justice Education is a resource to support educators in growing their understanding of social justice principles and integrating them into their practice. This revised edition is informed by the current social and political landscape and acknowledges the new ways educators have been challenged by increased political scrutiny, censorship and debate about what can be taught in schools. This publication seeks to honor and continue the legacy of educators’ leadership in the pursuit of social justice by supporting teachers at every phase in their journey to develop their capacity as change agents.
From LFJ Director Jalaya Liles Dunn

“Education at all levels is a critical driving force for change that ensures our shared values are uplifted. And that change has powerful potential. … Public education has historically been the battleground for justice. And it is proving in this contentious moment to be a lever for promoting democratic values and claiming an inclusive national identity, one centered on justice.”

Fighting for Voting Rights and Education

Ten years ago, on June 25, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder significantly weakened a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act. These Learning for Justice articles remind us of the struggle for voting rights and education and the powerful legacy of Freedom Summer 1964.

Freedom Schools for Today’s Justice Movement

This article from the recent Spring 2023 magazine examines how modern social justice projects are building on the foundations of the historic 1964 Freedom Schools to confront current education censorship and voter suppression.

Connect Voting Rights History to Current Policies and Discourse

This new article explains how uncovering the honest history of voting rights in the U.S. is crucial to creating an inclusive society and realizing the democratic ideals expressed in the Constitution.

Book and Film Reviews: LFJ Staff Picks
What We’re Reading
In Ways To Grow Love (A Ryan Hart Story, 2), author Renée Watson perfectly captures the feeling of being in elementary school—of sweet childhood friendships, special moments with family, summer camp shenanigans and the seeming enormity of little things. It’s in those little things that this book shines. Ryan Hart is an endearing and relatable heroine—and a passionate Black girl in whom readers will see themselves. Nina Mata’s warm illustrations scattered throughout the book are a particular gift.   •  Growing Readers

What We’re Watching
My Shadow Is Pink—based upon the book of the same name by Scott Stuart, who also directed this animated film—is just a bit more than nine minutes long but packs in a mighty amount of wonderful imagery as well as commentary on the power of a parent’s love and support. A school assignment, a little boy’s room where he meets his pink shadow, and his father’s looming presence are all depicted as some of the challenges young children can face in realizing and embracing their identities. This short film reflects a father’s real-life experience of care, concern and celebration of his child’s way of being in the world. (9 min.) Available on YouTube  •  Elementary School
Learning for Justice Issue 4, Spring 2023, new spring issue—out now!
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