MTV News Social Justice Forecast For July 15—23
From concerns over the impact of fracking to long-standing racial inequality, the struggle for social justice is as real as it has ever been. Fortunately, people are not idly standing by. They are taking action where they can and building strategies that will have a direct impact on the problems we face.
This week, the forecast is focused on strategy building. Folks are pooling resources, raising funds, and engaging in discussions with affected communities to change the climate of injustice we have lived under for far too long.
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:
Everywhere: Take the pledge for Black Lives.
In the wake of recent news of state violence carried out against black people across the country, the Movement For Black Lives (M4BL) is asking that we all take the pledge:
"We pledge togetherness--- we will not allow ourselves to be divided.
We pledge to allow our thinking and actions to be guided by love.
We pledge to bring courage and power into our communities, and stop their flow out.
We pledge not to be controlled by fear, but instead by our dreams."
By signing the pledge, you can also receive updates from M4BL about important information regarding the movement and ways you can help organizers accomplish their goals. Take the pledge and join the movement that is working to bring the light of justice to the people.
This Week:
We’re looking forward to green winds blowing in a march for environmental justice in Richmond, Virginia; Boston, Massachusetts, is going to make it rain for incarcerated women of color at a fund-raising dinner; and rainbows are expected in NYC for an LGBTQ ally workshop.
Sunday, July 17
Boston, MA: Raise money to end the mass incarceration of women of color at the Free Her Liberation Kitchen Fundraising Pop-Up Dinner.
7–10 p.m.
3710 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02130
When people talk about mass incarceration, they sometimes overlook the fact that women of color are being put into prison at an alarming rate. Families For Justice As Healing (FJAH) is hosting The Liberation Kitchen fundraiser to support their work with formerly incarcerated women to end mass incarceration. The work FJAH does includes advocacy, community outreach, and educating the public about the impact the prison system has on women. Tickets for the four-course dinner (with vegetarian options) are offered on a sliding scale from $50 to $100 (currently all but the $100 tickets are sold out). The menu is provided by Olio Boston, which works to bring gourmet food to movements for social justice.
Not in Boston but want to support their work nationally? You can donate to the GoFundMe page for The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls that FJAH started. Support a great cause, enjoy some good food, and rain down financial support for the liberation of incarcerated women.
Tuesday, July 19
New York, NY: Be a better ally to LGBTQ Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by Coming Together.
6:30–9 p.m.
25 West 43rd Street, #1000
New York, NY 10036
There are many experiences that converge under the wide arc of the rainbow, and it’s critical that we inform ourselves about intersections of race, culture, and identity. The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance(NQAPIA) and Project by Project have partnered to address the concerns of LGBTQ Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander communities through this panel discussion and workshop. The event is free and open to the public, and will feature discussions on family acceptance, coming out, immigration, and racial justice. There's limited seating, so be sure to register.
Saturday, July 23
Richmond, VA: Demand a cleaner, greener Virginia by joining the March on the Mansion.
Noon–3 p.m.
Along the James River
Richmond, VA 23219
Many local and national organizations have been calling for Virginia’s Governor Terry McAuliffe to clean up pollution sites in the state and support green energy development for the future. Since their pleas have been largely ignored, these groups have decided to take their demands directly to the governor’s mansion in what may be the largest march for environmental justice in the state’s history. Since people are coming from all over the state, they've set up a page to help organize transportation via carpools and buses. You can find more information about the march and advice on how to prepare here. The hope is that state officials will not be able to ignore a public demonstration and will finally address the environmental issues at hand. Join those marching feet to kick up winds of change!
Looking Ahead:
Thursday, August 18 to Saturday, August 20
Oakland, CA: Envision a path to racial justice for Native Americans at Fearless Vision // Real Solutions.
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
2289 International Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94606
The Criminal Justice Initiative is working with local Native American organizers to host three days of informative meetings focused on restorative justice and ending violence in Native communities. By sharing strategies and resources from their communities, attendees can be part of building a stronger movement for justice. Registration is free (but still required) for students or those who are unemployed. Paid registration starts at $25 for individual activists and goes up to $200 for those representing larger funding organizations that support these efforts. Some ticket sales end on August 16. More information about the agenda for each day can be found at the CJI website.
It cannot be overstated how important it is for us to always be building new strategies for social justice. Many of theses issues have been a problem for generations, but now folks are finding new ways to fight back and building from the victories of those who have come before. We will win, but whether it’s bringing out the sun or calling down a storm, we need you!
