MTV News Social Justice Forecast For October 28–November 5
This is a season of reflection, celebration, and taking hold of our fears — all of which help us prepare for the day when we can harvest justice for everyone. When we come together to plan, take action, party, and even mourn, we draw closer to a season of triumph. Until then, we have work to do.
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: Vote early, vote absentee, vote on Election Day — just vote!
The clock is ticking, and we’re just over a week away from the most thrilling (and dreaded) day of the season: Election Day. Early voting is already underway in some states. Here are some resources you can use to take advantage of that, or to get ready for November 8:
MTV’s Elect This can give you more information about the issues at stake in the election and help you with that last-minute voter registration. Rock The Vote can also help you register, find your polling locations, and learn about your state’s voting rights/requirements. The website makes it super easy to find everything you need.
Remember, there’s more than just the presidency at stake in 2016. This election is important for Congress and local politics too, so make sure you get informed and get to the polls.
This Week:
We’re seeing black sunshine over Charlotte, North Carolina, for a Charlotte Uprising fundraiser; Seattle, Washington, is celebrating Día de los Muertos and organizing against racial inequality; and we’re looking ahead to the Transgender Day of Remembrance.
Friday, October 27 – Saturday, October 28
Charlotte, North Carolina: Participate in Artists United for Reproductive Justice.
7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
516 N. College St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
SisterSong has put together a fundraiser to support Charlotte Uprising, a coalition calling for police accountability, and SpiritHouse Durham, a local organization that works to end poverty and racism with art and community organizing. The Friday night event will feature performances from dancers, musicians, and mixed-media artists. The cover is a sliding scale from $5 to $20 at the door.
On Saturday, SisterSong is hosting an all-day gathering of Artists United for Reproductive Justice at the Levine Museum of the New South. This convening will explore how artistic activists can include reproductive justice in their work, as well as what it takes to use art for activism. More information and ways to contact the organizers are available here.
Tuesday, November 1
Seattle, Washington: Honor the dead and fight racism on Día de los Muertos.
5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
2524 16th Ave. S
Seattle, WA 98144
Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday where people honor loved ones who have passed away. El Centro de la Raza, a Latino social justice organization in Seattle, is hosting a celebration to recognize the tradition. The theme this year revolves around fighting for racial equality and getting folks to vote. Artist Fulgencio Lazo will be constructing an altar for the event, which will include a variety of community organizations, entertainment, and activities for all ages. The event is free and open to the public.
Friday, November 4
Minneapolis, Minnesota: Get creative for change at the Twin Cities Social Justice Arts Festival.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SpringHouse Ministry Center
610 West 28th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Artistry is woven into the fabric of social justice work; it takes tremendous creativity to find new solutions to old problems. That’s why attendees of the Twin Cities Social Justice Arts Festival will get to engage with social justice artists/activists from the Minneapolis area. From interactive art exhibits to workshops on creative community organizing, there should be something for everyone. If you want to help out, you can sign up to volunteer here. The festival is free and all are welcome.
Looking Ahead:
Sunday, November 20
Everywhere: Recognize Transgender Day of Remembrance.
All day
Communities around the world will take time on November 20 to read the names of transgender and gender nonconforming (GNC) people who lost their lives to violence this year. The reality of the violence experienced by trans people is horrifying, and it has to stop. The vigils, marches, rallies, and memorials held on and around Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) are meant to illustrate the urgent need to take action.
But we shouldn’t only care when trans lives are lost — we should value trans and GNC lives all the time. That’s why some TDOR events also celebrate the lives, power, and resilience of trans folks who are still with us. We should do more than be witnesses to suffering; we have to support survival and joy too.
However you choose to recognize the day, you can find more information about TDOR through GLAAD and the International Transgender Day of Remembrance site. Can’t find a TDOR event near you? Start planning one of your own! Ideally, these events should be led and organized by trans and/or GNC people. Allies should be supportive, but it’s common courtesy to ask folks in the community if and how you can help before you act.
You might take this time to pay your respects to trailblazers or raise hell for a revolution. Either way, what’s important is that you do it with your community. Whether that means bringing out the sun or calling down a storm, we need you!
