DC History Center’s Post

The alarming trend of cultural wars infiltrating America's libraries, highlighted in a recent New York Times article by Elizabeth Williamson, reveals a stark assault on the very essence of what libraries represent: inclusivity, diversity, and the right to access information freely. The challenges faced by librarians like Denise Neujahr, who are being unjustly cast as villains for defending these principles, are not just disheartening but a call to action for all of us in the professional community. Misinformation and bad intentions are at the heart of efforts to censor and control library spaces, betraying a profound misunderstanding of the role libraries play in fostering education, understanding, and community cohesion. As advocates for truth and intellectual freedom, we must stand against these attacks on our profession and continue to champion the values that define us. Libraries are not battlegrounds for ideological supremacy; they are havens of knowledge and diversity. Let's uphold that truth. https://lnkd.in/eg7JW7RP

Today, CSUSB - College of Natural Sciences commemorate Juneteenth, a day of immense significance in American history. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It celebrates freedom, justice, and the ongoing pursuit of equality for all. Let’s honor this day by reflecting on its meaning, educating ourselves, and advocating for a future where freedom and equality prevail. #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EqualityForAll #ReflectAndCelebrate #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #EmancipationCelebration #LiberationDay #BlackFreedom #Juneteenth2024 #CelebrateFreedom #BlackIndependence #FreedomNow #EndSlavery #BlackLiberation

As we navigate a post-pandemic arts sector, we examine how the COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted DC's arts and cultural sector, reshaping the landscape in unprecedented ways. According to a 2022 comprehensive report by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the sector faced staggering challenges: ❌ Financial losses exceeding $18 million ❌ Over 95% of arts organizations report significant disruptions to their operations. ✔ 78% of organizations successfully adapted to virtual programming Explore the full 2022 report to understand the critical role of the arts in DC's social and economic fabric here: https://lnkd.in/gaVF6Qtk Let's continue to support our local artists and cultural institutions as they navigate this recovery journey and the political changes ahead. DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities #Artivism #SocialArtAndCulture #SupportTheArts #CulturalResilience #DCCreativity 

THOSE WE SERVE- EDUCATIONAL ARTS SOCIETY THOSE WE SERVE CANNOT STAND AND WAIT Dr. Mamie Smith “Empathy is the pathway to understanding. Understanding guides humanity’s steps in serving others.” #educationalartsociety #serveothers #empathy #understanding #musiceducation #communityengagement #civicresponsibility #socialjustice #equity #accessibility #youthadvocacy #musictherapy #studentempowerment #creativity #inspiration #youthdevelopment https://lnkd.in/dG5WDRRr

An inspiring insight into the excellent work of Generations United and higher ed institutions who see the obvious value in conversations (and friendships) that cut across perceived generational barriers. https://lnkd.in/gX_fAqmS

THOSE WE SERVE- EDUCATIONAL ARTS SOCIETY THOSE WE SERVE CANNOT STAND AND WAIT Dr. Mamie Smith “Empathy is the pathway to understanding. Understanding guides humanity’s steps in serving others.” #educationalartsociety #serveothers #empathy #understanding #musiceducation #communityengagement #civicresponsibility #socialjustice #equity #accessibility #youthadvocacy #musictherapy #studentempowerment #creativity #inspiration #youthdevelopment https://lnkd.in/dG5WDRRr

History organizations have an obligation to connect the stories they tell and the environments they create with the things people care about today. This article from AASLH member Sarah Jencks explains civics and how to begin to create a civic strategy.

🌱 Today, we recall ‘When We Fight We Win!,’ a written collection of activists who have devoted their lives to fighting injustice. Using history and personal stories as the foundation of discovery, authors Greg Jobin-Leeds and AgitArte (@agitarte_cultural_works) challenge us to think critically about our place in the world and how we relate to systems of power. Today’s #RRR quote unveils the historical impact of mass incarceration in the U.S. The LP’s residencies, fellowships, and public programs consider art as a catalyst for challenging the historical systems of oppression our communities face. Through knowledge exchange and creative engagement, we advocate for the health and well-being of POC communities. ✨ Reflect & Share: How do you use creativity to combat systems of oppression? [Image Description: Slide 1 - Hand holding book displaying book cover in front of LP bookshelves; Slide 2: Text-based graphic with quote written; Slide 3, Portrait of Greg Joblin-Leeds]

We deep dive with acclaimed Human Rights Activist and Community Lawyer Jamie Gardiner OAM. On Censhorship in Public Libraries Banning books in public libraries sparks debates on censorship, freedom of expression, and access to information. It raises concerns about intellectual freedom, diversity, and the role of libraries in providing a wide range of viewpoints. Banning books limits knowledge, stifles creativity, and undermines critical thinking. It can also perpetuate ignorance, prevent dialogue, and erase marginalized voices. Ultimately, the issue of banning books in public libraries speaks to larger societal questions about power, control, and the value of different perspectives in shaping a vibrant and inclusive community. Sometimes we need to reflect and hold to account people in privileged positions of power who choose to deliberately marginalize thsoe in the community who are already subjected to discrmination.

Following the publication of our article in BERJ, we discuss details of our art based methods to explore children's lived experiences of racism in this BERA blog. Please check it out. https://lnkd.in/eXK-rr2y University of the West of England