Dear John,

This week marked the start of Black History Month. Today it’s as important as ever to amplify the stories of Black people and Black communities who continue to call for racial equality and a world free of oppression.

Crystal Bird Fauset was one such leader for racial justice. She joined AFSC’s staff in 1927, touring the country to foster understanding across divides. She later became the first Black woman elected to state legislature in the U.S. Read more on Facebook.

Here are this week's picks to inform and support your activism:

Tell Congress: Prevent war and protect human lives and dignity: Thank you to everyone who contacted Congress this week amid escalating tensions with Russia. The U.S. must say NO to flooding the region with weapons—and invest in diplomacy and international cooperation instead. If you haven’t already, take action today.

Advocates sue over St. Louis Public Schools’ refusal to disclose records on relationship with police: AFSC used the Missouri Sunshine Law to request the information over five months ago. But the district has yet to respond. The lawsuit is part of a student-led campaign to end policing in schools—and invest in programs that promote real student safety.

The U.S. Border Patrol is hiding information. Here’s what it doesn’t want you to know: Since at least 1987, Border Patrol has operated unsanctioned cover-up units, writes AFSC’s Pedro Rios. These units have concealed, altered, and destroyed evidence to obstruct justice. Now Congress is investigating these units, after urging from the Southern Border Communities Coalition, which includes AFSC. (San Diego Union-Tribune)

Apartheid in Israel and Palestine: This week, Amnesty International issued a report calling for accountability for Israeli apartheid against Palestinians. Amnesty joins a growing number of organizations, including AFSC, to recognize that the Israeli system of control over Palestinians constitutes apartheid. AFSC’s Mike Merryman-Lotze says, "We use the term to accurately describe the realities of inequality and discrimination that exist on both sides of the green line in Israel and Palestine.”

More reason why the U.S. Senate must extend the child tax credit: Research shows that anti-poverty programs in a baby's first year can improve long-term life chances. The expanded child tax credit was one such program—until senators failed to extend it, writes AFSC's Rick Wilson. Today we must make sure lawmakers restore the program on behalf of millions of infants and all children. (Charleston Post-Gazette)