Hopewatch
Hopewatch amplifies the unwavering commitment of people who tirelessly advocate for racial and social justice.
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation event focuses on power of inclusive policy
I recently attended the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., as the Southern Poverty Law Center’s federal policy director. This year’s theme – “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices” – recognized the foundation’s continued effort to promote a policy agenda that serves not only Black people but all marginalized…
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- Strengthening Democracy & Voting Rights
The Power of Participation: Why the Hispanic vote can change history
Growing up Latina in rural Alabama means that many of my experiences have been a first for my family. While it is a great privilege, it can present challenges that are frightening but worth it. Between long hours of work and school, voting was not a part of the daily conversations in my household. I…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
Book recommendations for celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month
Sept. 15 marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of the histories, cultures and contributions of this community. As part of the observance, which continues through Oct. 15, here are a few book selections from the Southern Poverty Law Center Latinx Affinity Group. One Hundred Years of Solitude By Gabriel García Márquez…
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- Strengthening Democracy & Voting Rights
Pursuing the Dream: Reflections on the Freedom Summer summit in Mississippi
More than 160 years since the Emancipation Proclamation, the question remains: When will the dream of equality and justice be fully realized? When will the descendants of enslaved people and other people of color exercise their civil rights unencumbered – especially at the ballot box? Last month in Jackson, Mississippi, I was proud to be…
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- Eliminating Poverty and Economic Inequality
Then and now: Rosenwald schools highlight legacy of educational inequality
On a recent afternoon, I viewed a stirring museum exhibition, A Better Life for Their Children: Julius Rosenwald, Booker T. Washington, and the 4,978 Schools That Changed America. The exhibit at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture tells the story of the Rosenwald schools built for Black children from 1912 to 1937 in the…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
- Eliminating Poverty and Economic Inequality
- Ending Unjust Imprisonment
- Strengthening Democracy & Voting Rights
Advancing the SPLC’s New Strategic Direction
Since the June announcement of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s restructuring, we as executive leaders of the organization have received many questions about our vision behind the changes. We truly believe that the work of the SPLC will be strengthened by aligning the entire organization around our new strategic direction. In 2022, the SPLC adopted…
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- Strengthening Democracy & Voting Rights
Young Voters of Color in Alabama Have the Power to Decide for a Better Future
Only a third of eligible Alabama voters turned out to vote for the midterm election in 2022, ranking us fifth lowest in turnout nationwide. It would be easy to feel discouraged by this. As director of the Alabama state office at the Southern Poverty Law Center, I see it as an opportunity to further engage…
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- Strengthening Democracy & Voting Rights
Don’t let down your guard: Learn how voter access laws affect you in 2024
Voters casting a ballot in the South may encounter recently passed laws that could suppress the vote. As the Southern Poverty Law Center continues to encourage voter turnout through its The South’s Got Now | Decidimos campaign, here are some laws Southern voters need to watch out for this election year: Alabama The Alabama Legislature…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
SPLC, partners defeat all anti-LGBTQ+ bills during Georgia legislative session
The 2024 Georgia legislative session was my sixth under the gold dome of the state Capitol, and it was one of the most difficult to work and witness as a civil rights advocate and lobbyist – with one big exception. During a session that saw almost 20 vicious anti-LGBTQ+ bills, we defeated each hateful piece…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
Transformative Opportunities: The need for DEI programs in higher education
It was the summer of my first year of graduate school when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the use of race-conscious college admissions. The court’s 2023 opinion made it unlawful for colleges and universities to take an applicant’s race into consideration. I remember reading the headlines and thinking to myself, “I just barely got in.”…
