Hopewatch
Hopewatch amplifies the unwavering commitment of people who tirelessly advocate for racial and social justice.
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- Eliminating Poverty and Economic Inequality
Some traveled west: Altadena residents draw on Black community strength
In 1963, my maternal grandfather left his homeland in the Mississippi Delta, fleeing a white mob trying to kill him for fighting to protect his family’s farmland. At the time, my mom was only 9 years old. Instead of fleeing north, he headed west to Pasadena, California, where some of his family members had migrated…
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- Ending Unjust Imprisonment
A call for justice and compassion: Louisianans must reject Act 3 on March 29
As Louisiana’s policy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center, I work to ensure our state’s policies bring fairness and justice for all, especially the most vulnerable people. But I write this not just as an advocate for civil rights, but as a father. When I think of not only my children, but all children…
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- Eliminating Poverty and Economic Inequality
Zora! Festival celebrates culture, preservation wins for historic Black community
Every January for more than a quarter century, the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community (P.E.C.) has called thousands of people together from across the globe to celebrate the extraordinary writer, folklorist and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston in the place that raised her, the town of Eatonville, Florida — the first self-governing, all-Black municipality in the…
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- Strengthening Democracy & Voting Rights
Learning for Justice resource explains what presidents do … and your part in it
The flurry of executive orders, lawsuits, rescinded orders and information overload that has marked the first two weeks of the second Trump administration has been staggering. It’s easy to become overwhelmed. However, the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Learning for Justice program is offering the Civics for Democracy series to develop the civic knowledge and skills…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
Black church’s win against Proud Boys offers hope in the fight against racism
I was proud to learn this week that the historically Black church where I was christened as a baby, where I attended Sunday school and where I received the spiritual foundation for my life had won a $2.8 million judgment against a racist hate group that attacked it. Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington,…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
Why is it wrong to teach students about diversity, equity and inclusion?
The college where I teach had always been very progressive. It encouraged faculty and staff to exercise freedom of speech and welcomed inclusive speakers, lessons and events. Texas Senate Bill 17 was passed in May 2023, and almost overnight things changed. This law, similar to ones in two of the Southern Poverty Law Center’s focus states…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
- Eliminating Poverty and Economic Inequality
On Inauguration Day, remember Martin Luther King Jr.’s call for economic justice
With Inauguration Day falling on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it’s understandable that this year’s King holiday does not feel like a moment of celebration. Today ushers in a new era in Washington “in which those with power have pledged to dismantle efforts that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, while the assault on our civil…
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- Dismantling White Supremacy
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday with book recommendations for all ages
Between 1957 and his assassination on April 4, 1968, at age 39, Martin Luther King Jr. gave 2,500 speeches, wrote sermons and homilies and published five books. Meanwhile, the number of books written about King surely number in the thousands. Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is celebrated on Jan. 20, we are…
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- Strengthening Democracy & Voting Rights
Ballot box barriers: Making elections accessible to all eligible voters
As the new Congress and administration take hold in Washington, you’ll be hearing a lot about voter ID laws and proof-of-citizenship requirements. For this reason, it’s important for lawmakers, the media and the public to understand how these laws could impact our democracy. At VoteRiders, we’ve been focused on voter ID laws since 2012. Today, 38…
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- Strengthening Democracy & Voting Rights
In the Face of Impending Challenges, Our Values Offer a Guiding Light
Pursuing every person’s opportunity to live with dignity, free from discrimination and oppression.