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Join Learning for Justice for this discussion that will highlight the power of place and the importance of honest history by centering the resistance and resilience of Black people and the vital richness of community, particularly in the South. This installment features Amber N. Mitchell, the director of education at Whitney Plantation; Lolita Bolden, project manager at the Southern Poverty Law Center Mississippi state office; and Jalaya Liles Dunn, director of LFJ.
The following articles from the Spring 2023 Learning for Justice magazine will be featured in this Read-Along event.
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Survival, Resistance and Resilience
Honoring the lives of enslaved people, the Whitney Plantation’s learning tour deepens our understanding of slavery in the United States, the people who survived it and their legacies. In this feature story, Amber N. Mitchell writes, “It is important to remind our visitors that Black people were and are at the center of the story of the U.S. and that we have the right to question past and present narratives.”
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Where I’m From
In this Why I Serve column, SPLC Project Manager Lolita Bolden reflects on history, growing up in Mississippi and her love for her community, also sharing a poem.
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The Power of Place
In this Perspectives column, LFJ Director Jalaya Liles Dunn writes that “the victories for justice must be fought for and by ordinary people in the South together with allies from other parts of the nation.”
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From LFJ Director Jalaya Liles Dunn
"The battleground for racial justice remains in the South, and the victories for justice must be fought for and by ordinary people in the South together with allies from other parts of the nation. Although the pestilence of racism has historically affected the lives of Black and Brown people, its reach extends to all who counter the ideals of white supremacy. A shared story of us is clear as we collectively reconstruct a democracy that is real for all, not just some."
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Parents and Caregivers Play an Important
Role in Education
Parents and caregivers are children’s first teachers and play a powerful role in determining what children learn and in shaping children’s perspectives and our shared future. LFJ aims to provide resources and information on current issues in education for parents, caregivers, educators and all community members who are concerned about current censorship and hostile school environments, and who want to create supportive and inclusive learning spaces where all children can thrive.
This week’s spotlight resources support discussions on honest history and build understanding of social justice education and gender-affirming care.
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Talking to Children About the History of Slavery in the United States
The recommendations in this resource article for how to talk with children about the history of slavery and race in the United States also provide age-appropriate information to emphasize in conversations.
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Celebrate African and
Indigenous Cultures
To support conversations and learning about African and Indigenous cultures, this article offers talking points, activities and book recommendations.
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What Is Social Justice Education?
In this article, scholar and educator Lee Anne Bell, Ed.D., explains social justice education and highlights its role in actively countering injustice and helping to build an inclusive democracy for the benefit of all.
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Gender-Affirming Care: What It Is and Why It’s Necessary
This article provides information and counters falsehoods to explain gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary young people.
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Book and Film Reviews: LFJ Staff Picks
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What We’re Reading
Josie Dances, by Denise Lajimodiere, is a beautiful story of a young Ojibwe girl preparing for her powwow debut. This book, with wonderful illustrations by Angela Erdrich, explores the intersection of Indigenous culture, family, nature and traditions—offering an essential perspective to any library collection. With help from her family and the support of her community, Josie gathers what she needs to receive her spirit name and participate in her first powwow. • Growing Readers
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