ABA Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice’s Post

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time to reflect on the difference between performative outrage or activism and real activism for racial equality. As MLK once said, “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it”. This quote emphasizes the importance of taking real action against injustice rather than simply expressing outrage. King’s words remind us that true change requires active engagement and a willingness to challenge the status quo. To actively promote racial equality, consider the following: ✊🏾 Advocate: Supporting anti-racism activists & people of color  📚 Learn: Educating yourself on race and ethnicity  🗣️ Take action: Avoid micro-aggressive comments and take note of implicit biases and work to address them.  Let’s all work together to create a more equitable society. 🌎

Today, we solemnly honor Dr. Antoinette Candia-Bailey with a resounding "Rest in Power." Her passing is a stark reminder of the injustices Black women continually face - often mischaracterized as aggressive or rude in their professional lives. Moreover, the harrowing ordeal faced by Professor Gay, a clear case of 'professional lynching', demands our attention and action. Silence in the wake of such injustice is no longer an option. In the wake of George Floyd's tragic death, there was widespread outrage, but true commitment to equity was scarce. Now, more than ever, passivity is not an option. As 2024 unfolds, our organization is unequivocally committed to combating Anti-Black racism in every form. We will not wait for the symbolic month of February, often filled with celebratory gestures, to confront this urgent issue. This year, we are dedicated to exposing the profound and systemic nature of Anti-Blackness in Canada – its emotional impact and its widespread prevalence. Our stance is unwavering and clear: We will categorically refuse to collaborate with any organization that does not genuinely embody inclusivity. If your leadership, board, or advisory committee does not reflect the diversity of the community you claim to serve, we will not align with you. We are done with empty talks about inclusion that do not translate into meaningful, systemic policy changes. Our focus is on addressing pay disparities and providing staunch support to those facing microaggressions and anti-Black racism on every front. We are acutely aware that this journey may be isolating and financially challenging, yet it is essential. We cannot remain passive while witnessing the mental toll on our sisters. Dr. Antoinette's voice may have been silenced, but we refuse to forget her. Our commitment goes beyond our community; it is a stand for fundamental justice and equality.

🌟✊ Reflecting on Juneteenth ✊🌟 Today we paused to honor and commemorate this pivotal moment in history. June 19th is not merely a date on the calendar, but rather a testament to the resilience, courage, and unwavering spirit of those who fought for freedom and equality. At #WardLawLLC, we stand in solidarity with our community to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth. It's a time to acknowledge the progress we've made, while also recognizing the ongoing journey toward true justice and equality. In observance of Juneteenth, our offices are closed as we create space for reflection, education, and action. We encourage everyone to take this opportunity to deepen their understanding of the struggles and triumphs of the Black community, and to consider how we can all contribute to a more just and equitable society. Join us in honoring Juneteenth by amplifying Black voices, supporting Black-owned businesses, and advocating for meaningful change. Together, let's continue the march toward freedom, equality, and justice for all. #WardLawLLC #straightforwardlegaladvice #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #Equality #Justice #BlackLivesMatter #Community #Reflection #Action  

… & this is why we must continue to fight!!! “Even Plessy v. Ferguson, considered perhaps the worst Supreme Court ruling in U.S. history, sanctioned the existence of H.B.C.U.s and other Black-serving organizations. If institutions like Howard or the Fearless Fund cannot work to explicitly assist the descendants of slavery, who still today remain at the bottom of nearly every indicator of success and well-being, then we have decided as a nation that there is nothing we should do to help Black Americans achieve equality and that we will remain a caste society. What we are witnessing, once again, is the alignment of white power against racial justice and redress. As history has shown, maintaining racial inequality requires constant repression and is therefore antithetical to democracy. And so we must be clear about the stakes: Our nation teeters at the brink of a particularly dangerous moment, not just for Black Americans but for democracy itself.” https://lnkd.in/gsu-_5PM

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, a pivotal moment in American history symbolizing freedom and resilience. Let's honor this day by amplifying Black voices, educating ourselves, and advocating for lasting change. Together, let's continue the fight for equality and justice. *ATTORNEY ADVERTISING* *PRIOR RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE A SIMILAR OUTCOME* #KILegalPersonalInjury #KIPI #PersonalInjury #PersonalInjuryLaw #PersonalInjuryAttorney #PersonalInjuryAttorney #KIPIAdvocates #LegalAllies #FreeConsultation #PersonalInjuryRepresentation #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #JusticeForAll #FightForYourRights

One week ago today, it was #WorldSocialJusticeDay! In honor of that day, especially considering it occurs during Black History Month, we want to shine a spotlight on an often mischaracterized and, subsequently, misunderstood group and movement in the U.S. — the Black Panther Party (BPP)! More often than not, the BPP was mischaracterized as comprised of anti-White Black militants; however, in reality, the BPP was a working-class youth-led movement that supported multiracial coalition building; supported their communities with equity-promoting Survival Programs, which provided free food, healthcare, and voter registration drives; promoted self-determination; and established schools in 9 different cities. Additionally, their vision extended beyond the national level. They saw the issues Black Americans have been forced to endure and face as connected to an African decolonization and global liberation movement. For example, Co-Founder Huey P. Newton drew comparisons between the Black American experience and the experience of colonized peoples, such as the Vietnamese. “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love and protect one another. We have nothing to lose but our chains.” — Assata Shakur https://lnkd.in/gcc-qZaS #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory #blackexcellence #blackgirlmagic #historic #history #justice #socialimpact #socialjustice #education #educational #blackpower #blackpride #blackpanther #blackpanthers #blackpantherparty #coalition #coalitionbuilding #equity #food #healthcare #voterregistration #votereducation #national #global #colonialism #colonization #racism #decolonization #decolonize #liberation #freedom #breakthechains #love #protection #support #community #communitybuilding #communityengagement #communityhealth #communitydevelopment #communityempowerment #empowerment #empowering #pride

Today, we commemorate #Juneteenth, marking the end of slavery in the United States. Let's reflect on our progress and renew our commitment to advancing equality and justice for all. We invite our network to take action against racial injustice. Here are ways you can make a difference:   - Speak up against discrimination, hate, or racism wherever you encounter it. - Volunteer with organizations defending civil rights and promoting social action. - Support Black-owned businesses to foster economic empowerment. - Foster open dialogues about race within your circles. - Diversify your media consumption to amplify Black voices.   Together, let's promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. #DIB

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐡! On June 19, 1865, freedom reached Galveston, Texas—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, we honor the strength and resilience of Black communities. Juneteenth isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice. It’s about recognizing the past and committing to a better future. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: 🔴𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦: The day the last enslaved people were freed. 🔴𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Black communities continue to thrive and inspire. 🔴𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: A call to keep pushing for equality and justice. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐡: ⚫️𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟: Learn the history. ⚫️𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤-𝐎𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬: Make a difference. ⚫️𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Get involved. ⚫️𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬: Talk about equality and justice. Juneteenth is more than a day off—it’s a powerful reminder to reflect, educate, and act. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐡? #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #ResilienceQueen #HealingRacialTrauma #MentalWellness

Just another examples of how the hijacking of a word can be turned into the very thing it was intended to tackle. From “stay woke” (true meaning: be conscious and aware) adulterated to mean stay unconscious, unaware, and maintain the status quo; to DEI (true meaning: Diversity Equity and Inclusion) adulterated to mean Didn’t Earn It; to Black Lives Matter (true intention: highlight racism and injustice) adulterated to All Lives Matter. Each adulterated form misses the point only to reinforce that very thing the original words are intended to decry.

Today, ARC commemorates #Juneteenth, a pivotal day in American, and indeed global history. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, were informed of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Certainly this is an important day worth recognising, but as we do we remember that while this marked the end of enslavement, it did not reset the power imbalance that had been in place for centuries. It did not change societal values overnight. Of course there were pockets of more humane thinking, but as enslavement ended those given their freedom were not equitably treated to ensure standards of living and working were now ‘equal’, there was no financial compensation, nor land, property or even equal rights afforded to Black Americans even though they now they were ‘free’. Instead the end of enslavement was followed by the era of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation and disenfranchised and ultimately killed Black Americans for decades. These laws perpetuated racism and injustice , and intentionally prevented progress toward true freedom and equality. It took more activism and liberation movements before key legislative acts such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 came to pass. These laws were crucial in dismantling legal segregation and ensuring voting rights for Black Americans. Being free was never given freely. Every step towards equality has been as the result of activism, hard fought for rights, by organised communities, often of predominantly Black people. We stand on the shoulders of giants. As we celebrate this day of liberation, it's essential to recognise that the journey toward true equality is still ongoing. Enslavement left a legacy of systemic racism that still persists today. This Juneteenth, the only way we can all truly honour the resilience of those who endured and fought against enslavement is by committing ourselves to anti-racism today and every day. #EveryDayIsJuneteenth Use this day to educate, reflect, and take action against racism, wherever you may see it. #AntiRacism