MTV News Social Justice Forecast For May 13-21
The stories of the people can lead us to liberation. We are compelled to act when we learn the names, faces, histories, and struggles of real people, some of whom have lost their lives to bigotry and a system that did not value them. This week, we’re going to feature actions and events driven by the narratives of the people. When we’re lost in the fog of ignorance and fear, the stories we share in the struggle light the way.
If there’s something on the horizon in your area that you’d like to see featured in the MTV News Social Justice Forecast, email us at mtvnews.sjf@gmail.com!
All Month Long:
Online
#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou was first popularized by writer and artist Zahira Kelly to raise awareness of the various kinds of non-physical abuse that can occur in relationships. It has since evolved into #MaybeSheDoesntHitYou and the gender neutral #MaybeTheyDontHitYou. Not all scars are visible, and emotional trauma caused by a partner is just as serious as physical abuse. Follow these hashtags to get more information about abuse, hear the stories of survivors, connect to support services, and maybe share your own story of struggle and survival. This is a hashtag hailstorm of resilience, support, and (most importantly) survival.
This Week:
Looking ahead to transgender storms and LGBT rainbows over Tempe, Arizona; the beginnings of a feminist hurricane in San Leandro, California; and racial justice sunshine is on the way for Providence, Rhode Island!
Sunday, May 15
Providence, Rhode Island: Cook up some financial support for young activists at Liberation Kitchen: A Pop-Up Fundraiser for PrYSM.
5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
109 Summer St.
Providence, RI 02907
Providence Youth Student Movement (PrYSM) is teaming up with Olio Culinary Collective for a delicious fundraiser dinner! PrYSM has been uplifting Southeast Asian youth leadership in Providence to fight police brutality and other oppressive systems since 2001. Olio uses food to uplift social justice (best idea EVER!) and will be serving up a mouthwatering five-course meal that includes “sugarcane smoked duck, tea leaf salad, and even rabbit shumai with shiitake mushroom” (with vegetarian options upon request). Tickets are $100, which includes the full meal. Proceeds go to PrYSM and the work to end systemic racism. If you’d like to support PrYSM in other ways, you can always connect with them via their website or Facebook page. Fill up on racial justice sunshine and savory locally grown food this weekend!
Monday, May 16
Tempe, Arizona: Connect with efforts for LGBT equality on the federal level at the White House LGBT Summit.
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
301 E Orange St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
The ONE Community Foundation, a statewide pro-LGBT business coalition, is hosting representatives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Small Business Administration, and the White House to address a wide range of issues concerning the LGBT community. There will be panels and workshops throughout the day and plenty of opportunities to learn what the Obama administration is doing for LGBT Americans. Registration is free and open to the public, but space is limited. A waiting list will be available in case space opens up for more participants. Connect the ends of the rainbow from D.C. to Tempe!
Thursday, May 19
Various cities: Take action to end violence against women of color at #SayHerName Day of Action.
All day
Organizations, community groups, churches, and individuals across the country will be joining a call to action under the banner of #SayHerName. The campaign is created in response to the often underreported deaths of black women at the hands of the state and systemic violence. On May 19, people will be taking action to end such violence and prevent further loss of life. Events will include protests, marches, and rallies. You can find information about actions near you through BYP100, Black Lives Matter, Ferguson Action, and Project South. #SayHerName and join the work for a brighter tomorrow where no one’s life is cut short by injustice.
Saturday, May 21
San Leandro, California: Join young women exploring feminism at Teen Summit 2016.
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
16335 E 14th St.
San Leandro, CA 94578
The Alameda County Junior Commission on the Status of Women is hosting a daylong summit for middle- to high-school-aged girls about issues that interest them, like defining healthy relationships and getting the most out of education. The event is designed to be fun and engaging, and though it is free and open to the public, is meant to be a safe space exclusively for young women. Register in advance to reserve your place, and be part of the gathering storm that is a young feminist hurricane!
Looking Ahead:
Saturday, June 4
Across the country: Plug in and pitch in at National Day of Civic Hacking.
Programmers, community organizers, data scientists, nonprofits, and individuals are coming together next month for Code for America’s National Day of Civic Hacking (NDoCH). What’s civic hacking? Glad you asked. It’s when folks come together to use technology to solve problems — like improving access to public services, opening up communication with elected officials, or anything else that can help communities. You don’t have to be technologically savvy to be involved, either. All you have to be is a person who wants to help make life better for people in your city. Information about all of the participating cities can be found at the Code for America website.
The knowledge we share from our lived experiences are the foundation we build upon for liberation. Speak to each other. Listen to each other. And remember: Whether it’s bringing out the sun or calling down a storm, we need you!
