Social Justice Issues

Rewatching Judas and the Black Messiah reveals how history is rarely simple. It is layered, full of contradictions, and deeply human. The story of Fred Hampton and Bill O’Neal shows this clearly. Their lives reflect the complexity of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, and the ways in which systems of power exploited divisions within Black communities.

The fight for democracy is ongoing, and the stakes have never been higher. As we reflect on the legacies of Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas, it is crucial to recognize the broader implications of their actions. Marshall envisioned inclusivity and empowerment, while Thomas’s decisions often reflect a retreat from those ideals.

After Floyd's death, various sectors, including businesses, schools, and politicians, quickly issued statements of solidarity. Buzzwords like “anti-racism” and “equity” became commonplace in boardrooms and classrooms. Many believed that America was finally ready to address its racial injustices.

The idea of broken windows policing has erupted into discussions across the country. This policing strategy, which began gaining traction in the late 1970s and was popularized in the 1990s, aimed to address minor offenses to prevent more serious crimes. However, as we examine the current state of broken windows policing, it is evident that its consequences are significant and often harmful.

The struggle over what is taught in schools often reflects deeper societal conflicts about power, identity, and control. From the anti-literacy laws of the 1800s, which aimed to keep enslaved Black people from reading to today's debates over Critical Race Theory (CRT) and book bans, the fight for knowledge has always been connected to the fight for freedom.

Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a 21-year-old student, was found hanging on the campus of Delta State University, a devastating event that has sent shockwaves through his community. In the immediate aftermath, officials announced, “no foul play suspected.”

Kentucky's prison system has transformed into a powerhouse of economic activity, generating billions from the labor of incarcerated individuals. This troubling trend echoes the history of convict leasing, which arose after the Civil War and represents a dark chapter in which the freedom of Black people was taken, repackaged, and exploited for profit.

The War on Drugs is often presented as a necessary measure for public safety. However, its legacy uncovers a troubling reality. What began as a campaign against drug use has morphed into a war on communities, particularly those of Black and Brown individuals.

Washington, D.C. has been a centerpiece of federal intervention for many years, often seen as a necessary measure in times of crisis. However, the stories surrounding these interventions are far more complex than they might seem at first.

The story of the Civil War is often presented as a simple conflict between freedom and oppression. While it is undeniable that the war aimed to end the horrific practice of slavery, it is crucial to recognize a significant truth: the conflict did not provide reparations to the descendants of enslaved individuals.

Henry Louis Gates Jr. has devoted his life to shining a light on the vast and often overlooked narratives of Black history. His...

In recent years, calls for justice from Black communities across the United States have intensified. Each demand for accountability and systemic change reveals a familiar set of deflections. Phrases like “What about Chicago?” or “What about Black-on-Black crime?” frequently pop up in discussions, often derailing crucial conversations about race, justice, and reparations.

Racism isn't always loud; it often hides quietly within our society. This subtle yet harmful form of discrimination shows how deeply rooted racism is in our laws, policies, and daily interactions. It doesn't always shout; sometimes, it whispers, causing profound damage.

In 1987, the McCleskey v. Kemp case shifted the focus on systemic racism in America, particularly regarding the death penalty. The case exposed the stark inequalities faced by racial minorities within the justice system, ultimately altering the landscape of racial justice in the United States.

In 1962, one man's bravery changed the course of American education and civil rights. James Meredith, an African American U.S. Air Force veteran, made history as the first Black student to attend the University of Mississippi, known as Ole Miss.

In this post, we will look at the reasons behind this complicated language, how it affects people seeking justice, and steps we can take to create a more inclusive legal environment.

The Kansas State Colored Convention was not just a fleeting event; it was a formative movement. This powerful assembly signified that Black people have always organized to not just survive but actively shape America.

This seemingly minor clause created a massive loophole that has been exploited throughout American history. And that loophole was weaponized in ways that have perpetuated systems of oppression and exploitation long after the formal abolition of slavery.

For centuries, African Americans have been told they were free—on paper, in speeches, in legislation. But when you follow the timeline of our history in this country, it becomes clear: freedom for Black people has often been little more than a repackaged form of control.

In recent years, the United States has experienced an alarming rise in both mass incarceration and mass deportation. While these two phenomena may seem distinct at first, they share striking similarities that warrant a closer examination. In recent years, the United States has experienced an alarming rise in both mass incarceration and mass deportation. While these two phenomena may seem distinct at first, they share striking similarities that warrant a closer examination.