MTV News Social Justice Forecast For August 19–27
August 26 marks National Women’s Equality Day. First recognized by a congressional resolution in 1971, National Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote (even though women of color faced aggressive obstruction of that right until the 1960s). This forever changed the political landscape of America.
Women continue to occupy leading roles in the fight for social justice. This week’s forecast is dedicated to women exercising their power to move all of us forward. Honoring the leadership of women is required for our collective liberation.
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: Hold politicians accountable to women with the National Organization for Women.
The National Organization for Women (NOW) has been on the front lines of women’s rights since 1966. It has a presence in all 50 states through over 500 affiliate groups. NOW holds protests, marches, and voter drives; distributes petitions; lobbies congress; and has done nearly everything imaginable in the name of women’s rights and equality. Now, NOW is circulating a petition with the no-nonsense title “Donald Trump and Mike Pence: Women Are Watching” to show that its signers will not tolerate policies that hurt women. It’s well known that Trump and Pence have opposed women’s reproductive rights and targeted Planned Parenthood. If you want to let the Trump campaign know that you’ve got your eyes on them and you don’t like what you see, sign the petition!
Running a national organization that confronts issues from trans rights to shattering the glass ceiling is costly. Another great way you can support NOW is by making a donation to the cause. If you want to get more involved, you can also find a chapter near you on the NOW website. Pick your state from the drop-down menu, and you’ll find affiliated groups near you.
This Week:
This week, we’re looking at hurricanes of feminism across the country with a Women’s Equality Day event in Charlotte, North Carolina; women’s voices are calling up winds of change in Brooklyn, New York, for the Yeah That’s What She Said panel series; and in Cincinnati, Ohio, folks are storming the streets for a walk to end violence against women.
Tuesday, August 23
Indianapolis, Indiana: Learn about the Subtle and Not-So-Subtle Discrimination Against Women: A National and International Crusade.
2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
755 West Michigan St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
The ways in which women experience discrimination are expansive, and we need to expose, unpack, and dismantle all of it — from casual sexism to institutionalized misogyny. The more we know about those systems, the more effectively we can work to end them. To that end, check out Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis’s seminar with Mikki Hebl, Ph.D, part of the Integrating Woman Leaders Conference (tickets for the full conference are sold out). Hebl researches how discrimination affects marginalized people, and her seminar will explore misogyny in the workplace and everyday life, as well as how people and businesses are fixing this pervasive problem. Registration is free, but attendees are warned that this event is likely to sell out — so save your seat now!
Thursday, August 25
Charlotte, North Carolina: Honor past victories and plan for more at the Women’s Equality Day Celebration.
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
200 East 7th St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
The League of Women Voters and the Mecklenburg County Women’s Advisory Board are sponsoring a reception and panel discussion on the concerns of female voters from 1920 to today. The expert panel is made up of representatives from Davidson College, NC Women Matter, Democracy NC, and the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. The event is free and open to the public. Reserve your spot now to learn more about important issues before you hit the polls in November.
Saturday, August 27
Brooklyn, New York: Center the voices of trans women of color at All Together Now: Women Fighting State Violence.
1 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
603 Bushwick Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11206
Yeah, That’s What She Said is a collective that puts on events centering women’s voices through art and activism. The group is hosting a day of workshops focused on the specific needs of trans women of color. The first, “The Queen Palace,” is a writing and movement workshop exclusively for trans women of color, taking place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The remaining two workshops, “All Together Now: Women Fighting State Violence” and “Stopped by the Cops? Training” are open to people of all identities and genders. Registration is free but required for each of the workshops; links to register are available here.
Montgomery, Alabama: Push for lasting change with the Campaign to Make Black Lives Matter in Southern States.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
2810 Atlanta Highway
Montgomery, AL 36109
The Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative (SRBWI) is inviting the entire community to join a discussion on how to center black lives in the fight for equal rights in Alabama. This work is critical in organizing plans to make change effective and long-lasting. The decisions of lawmakers and the voices of the people determine our future, so be sure to register for this free event and be a part of this movement!
Looking Ahead:
Friday, September 30
Cincinnati, Ohio: Shine a light on domestic violence at the 2016 Purple Light Walk.
5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
5th St. and Fountain Square
520 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Women Helping Women is dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The organization serves all people, regardless of gender. Over the next month, its supporters are gearing up for the annual Purple Light Walk to raise awareness of domestic violence. There will be music, dancing, food, and a fair showcasing local resource organizations. After sunset, the walk will start. Registered participants will receive a purple glowstick, but you can always find creative ways to shine a purple light of your own. Registration is free for the event and open to everyone. Folks are encouraged to form groups with family and friends to join the walk, and everyone is encouraged to support Women Helping Women however they can. Now get out there and let your light shine bright!
No struggle for justice would be as far along as it is without the leadership of women. The faster we all get with the patriarchy-smashing program, the sooner we’ll all live in a world where the only limit is a boundless horizon. And whether that means bringing out the sun or calling down a storm, we need you!
