Smithsonian Institution’s Post

Continuing education is essential in our field. I recently read King: A Life by Jonathan Eig. It’s a comprehensive biography that sheds light on the complexities of leadership during the civil rights movement. This book is a must-read for those in criminal justice. Check it out: #Leadership #CivilRights #CriminalJustice #BookReview #JonathanEig

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who led a movement with principles of nonviolence to change our laws, to make discrimination illegal. The changes the civil rights movement achieved extended far beyond Black people. Because of Black people, I as a white woman am protected from discrimination at work and school. I have recourse when someone sexually harasses me. When companies pay women less than men we can sue and get what is due to us. Universities have to resource women’s athletics. The list goes on. And as Dr. King described in this interview a year before a white supremacist assassinated him, the changes Black people struggled for did not result in true equality for Black people because the vast majority of white people are ambivalent, complicit, and resist true equality for Black people, as we have for 400 years. And on January 20, 2025, a racist, misogynistic, cruel and violent man was inaugurated President, to undo the work of the Civil Rights Movement, to Make America Great Again for white people by asserting our superiority and right to dominate.  92% of Black women voted for Kamala Harris and 53% of white women voted for 47, for the third Presidential election in a row. Many companies are announcing they are abandoning their commitments to diversity equity and inclusion, and broligarchs are weaponizing their platforms to spread racism far and wide. And so I am recommitting to my work of educating white people out of our racism, our complicity, our sense of superiority. As Dr. King wrote in his last book before a white supremacist assassinated him: “Whites, it must frankly be said, are not putting in a similar mass effort to reeducate themselves out of their racial ignorance. It is an aspect of their sense of superiority that the white people of America believe they have so little to learn.” Racism is not natural, it is a learned belief and behavior, a system for accumulating wealth and power, and what can be learned can be unlearned. Listen to Dr. King. https://lnkd.in/gjwZhu46

Here is a review of an important book by two heroes of the civil rights movement. This book will definitely be on my list to read this year!

Understanding the Impact of Civil Rights Movements Explore the historical context, key achievements, and lasting impact of civil rights movements in America, highlighting i... https://lnkd.in/dedc7c9K #CivilRights&Liberties

Check out this insightful article featuring renowned civil rights attorney Benjamin L. Crump, Esq., where he passionately discusses the pursuit of economic freedom and social justice. Atty. Crump emphasizes the crucial role of economic empowerment in achieving true liberty and advocates for more Black professionals in law and other fields. His powerful message highlights the need for education and professional advancement to uplift our communities and secure a better future for the next generation. Read this exclusive story only at Rolling Out: https://lnkd.in/eGnvzdc3 #EconomicFreedom #SocialJustice #BenCrump #BenCrumpLaw #CivilRights #CommunityEmpowerment #RollingOut

We're celebrating Ruha Benjamin's groundbreaking work this Human Rights Day with another award! Honored on BookAuthority's list as one of the best human rights books of all time, Ruha's "Viral Justice" explores how we can transform society through the choices we make every day. Through this book, you will: ➡️ Understand the impact of Covid on marginalized communities, focusing on African Americans. ➡️ Explore systemic injustices like police brutality, medical racism, and environmental issues. ➡️ Learn about grassroots activism and the importance of community efforts for change. ➡️ Discover the root causes of inequalities faced by marginalized communities. ➡️ Gain insights into building a fairer society and addressing systemic injustices. Viral Justice has become Ruha's most popular keynote, sharing this message of growing the world we want to see with audiences of all age ranges, industries and levels of social justice interest. https://lnkd.in/g6V8WpeK #socialjustice #awardwinningbook #author #speaker #activism #socialgood #humanrightsday

Today, we honor the powerful legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His tireless fight for justice, civil rights, and equality continues to inspire us all. At Gary Weinberg Law, we are committed to upholding the principles of fairness and legal justice for every individual. Let's work together toward a future where justice and equality are accessible to all. 🕊️ . . #MLKDay #JusticeForAll #CivilRights #LegalJustice #EqualRights #SocialJustice #GaryWeinbergLaw #PersonalInjuryLaw #LegalAdvocacy #EqualityMatters

Voting is a privilege and an important part of being civically engaged. Points of Light’s Civic Circle includes a framework of 9 actions you can take to drive real and sustained change. Learn more about civic engagement and why your vote matters. https://lnkd.in/eB9BnCFH

Key Figures in the Fight for Civil Rights Explore the pivotal role of key civil rights figures, their impacts on legislation, major protests, and their enduring legacy in American h... https://lnkd.in/dwEJRTUi #CivilRights&Liberties