Anti-racism update 1.16.25

AR QUIZ

  • When did Martin Luther King Day become a holiday? 

EDUCATION

  • Justified Anger’s Black History for a New Day course registration is now open for 2025. The multi-week course spans from February – July and uses a cohort model. The purpose is to understand how the African-American experience has shaped the world we all live in, and how allies can find roles supporting racial justice today. We will lead this process without the use of guilt, finger-pointing, or propaganda, and lead from a place of compassion, community, and understanding. Rooting ourselves in our history, and understanding how we got here, will help us move forward together to make a better world and a stronger local community. Bob Newbery shared this testimonial, “I have taken the course four times, by Zoom and in-person. I have been an assistant and lead facilitator for the small breakout group sessions.  The course provides a ton of information and, more importantly, 1. a sophisticated framing and context for all that information, and 2. a structure that emphasizes discussion and personal reflection.  I learn more each time. Three follow-up sessions focus on “OK, now that I know all this, what can I do?” Registration info here: https://courses.justifiedanger.com/component/eventbooking/course-registration/2025-bhfand/202?Itemid=762 
  • JustConversation – Breaking Barriers: Justice & Disparities in Dane County. Fri. Jan. 17, 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm.  In the Atrium, 2300 S. Park St. This panel discussion will examine critical issues affecting our community, including racial disparities in law enforcement, prosecutorial discretion, and the impacts on equity within Dane County’s criminal justice system. Hosted by JustDane. For more info and to register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/justconversation-breaking-barriers-justice-disparities-in-dane-county-tickets-1106727183799?aff=eivtefrnd&utm_share_source=listing_android 

ACTION 

  • Join Families for Justice this weekend in honor of Martin Luther King Day. Monday, January 20, 9:30 AM – noon. Linden Co-Housing community room, 107 Sutherland Court (53704). Join us for a morning of connection and engagement in honor of the many leaders and collaborators of historical justice movements before us – and in calling us onward to community care and ongoing action. We’ll learn, discuss, play, rest, and reach. Our goal is always multi-generational organizing. We define “family” broadly. Our events are open to everyone. Questions? Email us at ffjdane@gmail.com. Registration is encouraged, but not required. https://bit.ly/SchoolsOutMLK2025 Volunteer sign up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EVGhgMfD-B-W8qjCFe7c8cwJXEBIhR4KJ7y30IJBoDI/edit?gid=0#gid=0 
  • Join the King Coalition for multiple community events this weekend. City of Madison 40th annual Rev. Martin Luther King Day Celebration will be the weekend of January 17th- January 20th. There are multiple events including a Community Dinner on Friday, Eucumenical Service on Sunday, and City and County Observance on Monday evening including MLK Community Choir, first female bishop of the AME church and Humanitarian award  https://mlkingcoalition.org/ 

AR QUIZ ANSWER

  • On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The legislation to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first introduced just four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. Still, it would take 15 years of persistence by civil rights activists for the holiday to be approved by the federal government and an additional 17 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states. Read about the long commitment to recognize Rev. Martin Luther King and this holiday: https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/15-year-battle-martin-luther-king-jr-day Watch how the song Happy Birthday by Stevie Wonder that helped garner support to become a holiday:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JSFOtCC99o 

YOUR PEACE, SOCIAL AND EARTH CONCERNS ANTI-RACISM SUBCOMMITTEE

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