“Teaching and learning about race, racialized power dynamics, the freedom struggles of our ancestors, and multiracial organizing and citizen engagement are essential if democracy is to succeed in our multiracial society. The nation—the world—has never had a flourishing democracy within the context of profound difference. Yet a multiracial democracy is the only kind of democracy that will succeed in the United States.” —Angela Glover Blackwell

In this exclusive interview, Angela Glover Blackwell, PolicyLink’s founder in residence, shares her thoughts on the role of civics literacy in building a vibrant multiracial democracy.

Educating for Democracy

In this new magazine feature, writer Anthony Conwright explores how effective civics literacy develops critical thinkers who can connect history and current events to engage in democratic action for building an equitable and just society. The essential task in responsible “action civics” education is guiding students to develop questions about their surroundings and lived experience.

“The way to get students to learn about the power of government and civics is through issues that affect their own lives.”
—Ann Beeson

[Video] A Conversation With Margaret Huang

In this new video interview, Margaret Huang, president and chief executive officer of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the SPLC Action Fund, took time to share her thoughts with Learning for Justice on the role of public education in building a multiracial, inclusive democracy.

“It is vital in a democracy that young people have the information, the education, the skills that they need to participate fully in the decisions that are going to affect them and their families for the rest of their lives.”
—Margaret Huang