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- Hopewatch
- Strengthening Democracy & Voting Rights
Hopewatch
The South’s Got Now | Decidimos campaign seeks to energize youth vote
Young people have always been on the front lines of change in the United States. With a hugely consequential election on the horizon this year, the Southern Poverty Law Center is excited to launch The South’s Got Now | Decidimos. As a bilingual voter engagement campaign in English and Spanish, The South’s Got Now |…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
- Hopewatch
Hopewatch
New legislation an opportunity to improve hate crime data, combat violence
For more than 30 years, the FBI has published an annual report providing the most important and comprehensive national snapshot of hate violence in the U.S. Yet it is also based on flawed and inconsistent data. And without accurate data, it’s impossible to effectively address our nation’s hate crime problem. To highlight this deeply disturbing,…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
- Hopewatch
Hopewatch
Combating ‘Lost Cause’ iconography during Confederate Heritage Month and beyond
As some states continue to perpetuate “Lost Cause” mythology with observances throughout April, which is sometimes recognized as Confederate Heritage Month, it’s worth looking at the monuments and memorials to the Confederacy that fill public spaces and celebrate the myth year-round. Confederate memorials in all forms – the battle flag, monuments, names of schools, government buildings, streets…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
- Hopewatch
Hopewatch
Alabama’s DEI ban underscores need for anti-bias programs, understanding
In March, Alabama became one of at least 10 states that have signed anti-diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) bills into law. The bill, which follows a nationwide trend, bans public institutions, such as public colleges and other state-run institutions, from maintaining DEI offices and programs. Despite DEI programs being used to correct inequities within an…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
- Hopewatch
Hopewatch
Debunking defenses of ‘Lost Cause’ mythology during Confederate Heritage Month
With some states celebrating Confederate Heritage Month in April or similar observances, it’s worth looking at some of the most common myths and claims used to justify honoring the “Lost Cause” of the Confederacy and keeping its monuments and symbols in public spaces. Here are some common claims you may hear this month – as…
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- Eliminating Poverty and Economic Inequality
- Hopewatch
Hopewatch
$100M donation to Spelman highlights importance of HBCUs after court decision
In 2014, every young girl who wished to attend Spelman College dreamed of receiving a powder blue envelope from the college in the mail. I received my acceptance letter on Christmas Eve. However, then came the more pressing issue: How will I pay for Spelman? Thankfully, I, as well as so many others in my…
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- Eliminating Poverty and Economic Inequality
- Hopewatch
Hopewatch
SPLC president condemns political decision that will leave children hungry
It appears that even the issue of child hunger can’t bridge the partisan divide, says Southern Poverty Law Center President and CEO Margaret Huang in a recent commentary. The column, published in The Hill, looks at how more than a dozen governors have refused to enroll their states in a federal food program, potentially leaving…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
- Hopewatch
Hopewatch
Freedom Rider recounts his struggle for justice during the Civil Rights Movement
Charles Person, now 80 years old, is the youngest of 13 original Freedom Riders. He says that when you are working toward effecting positive change, you should “never, ever give up.” He knows what he’s talking about. Person never gives up. As a young man, when he was not allowed to attend Georgia Tech because…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
- Hopewatch
Hopewatch
Musical performance honors people who marched for voting rights in Selma
As we approach the commemoration of Bloody Sunday, honoring people who undertook the march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights in 1965, I’m reminded of the bravery and sacrifice of these individuals who defended our democracy. This year marks the 59th anniversary of the day when men, women and even some children were brutally…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
- Hopewatch
Hopewatch
A better future requires honest, open teaching of African American history
In the halls of education, I find myself not just a high school history teacher but a storyteller – a weaver of narratives that often go unheard. However, I now find myself as an American who demands that the truth continue to be taught in our classrooms. This past summer, the Florida State Board of…
