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Why Do Books Get Banned? Written By: Joseph Sweeney Publishing Date: August 15, 2022 Earlier this year, a Tennessee school board decided to ban Maus from its curriculum. Maus is a graphic novel depicting the experience of the Jewish Holocaust, using a family of anthropomorphic mice to demonstrate what it was like to live in Nazi Germany as a Jewish family. The ban was much reported and discussed and renewed conversation around the practice of banning books, a controversial yet longstanding topic. Let's start with some context. Zack Beauchamp, writing for Vox on the ban of Maus , and Nadia Ford writing for Duke University in a study on the subject of book bans in general, have both offered an extensive list of reasons why books are banned. The most common reasons, found in both articles are: ● Discussion of racial content ● Sexual content ● Depictions of abuse ● Hate speech ● Objection on religious grounds Religious objections often try to either advance their agenda or halt the advance of another religious group's agenda. An example is, advocating for the teaching of the Bible in all schools, regardless of the religiosity of the school in question. In rarer but not unheard of cases, a book may be called to be banned on account of the reputation of its author. Some argue that banning books is a good thing, or at least a necessary evil, in the belief that it should be possible for parents, school teachers, and librarians to have some way to censor “problematic” books. The intent behind these bans is to prevent access to literary content that some groups or organizations consider objectionable or inappropriate, such as graphic violence or criticisms of religion. Motivated by these beliefs, a parent, librarian, or schoolteacher can issue a challenge to a book, which is then noted by both watchdog organizations and the organizations with the authority to issue book bans. The challenge may be allowed to go from a challenge to a ban, wherein schools and libraries will remove the book from their curriculum and storage. In a vacuum, it may seem reasonable for parents and organizations to have this ability to challenge and by extension ban books, the idea runs into the same issues as any problem in which one group is allowed to decide what is and is not right or acceptable for another group. Bias, agendas, or misjudgment of the needs and wants of others, and presuming to better know the needs of outside groups to which ban advocates do not actually belong to can then create additional issues. The simplest illustration of this is that several books are challenged/banned because they contain themes and depictions of gay and trans-lived experiences. Parents and organizations may move to get these books banned to prevent their children, classmates, or even friends from reading these books and realizing that the same experience applies to their own lives. Preventing individuals from accessing these books and potentially discovering that they have similar feelings of gender expression in common with their LGBT protagonists. This perpetuates homophobia and transphobia; by keeping individuals from reading about the lives and experiences of LGBT persons and characters, it reinforces the idea of LGBT as an otherness, rather than an aspect of humanity. This is especially so when the books are challenged under the idea of their 'sexual content'. In doing this, a homophobic fallacy is furthered, claiming that gay and trans individuals are somehow inherently more sexual than their heterosexual or cisgender counterparts. A book may also be called to be banned if a book depicts acts of abuse, (usually of children being abused by their parents). An abusive caretaker may worry that their victims could read these works and begin to recognize that their caretaker is treating them poorly. The same applies to banning a book, such as The Hate U Give, for depicting racial content; parents and organizations wanting to keep their children from having uncomfortable (but always necessary) conversations around race, be it from motivations of overt racism to a mistaken belief that racism is an 'adult' topic that should only be discussed in adult contexts, in spite of how racism often affects young individuals. would object to anyone being given access to a book that depicts a sympathetic person of color and how racial violence affects their lived experiences, promoting empathy. Essentially, banning a book allows an actor to issue a stamp denying individual access to a certain book because of its themes. Doing this takes agency away from readers whether or not they would wish to engage with a book's contents and their ability to make that choice for themselves. While it may sound reasonable to give teachers some leeway in the classroom to avoid using certain books and not expose children to mature themes, a book ban takes this logic and applies it to a broad swath of the population, including adults. As Beauchamp writes in their article for Vox , while book bans have happened so often that there is now an entire week dedicated to celebrating banned books, according to Beauchamp, "Free speech experts say what’s happening now represents an escalation from that period: that there is a new wave of censorship sweeping America’s schools targeting literature relating to race, LGBTQ identity, and sex." While Nadia Ford's article points to the presence of the internet and smartphones, and the ability to digitally download and distribute text, seemingly undermining the effectiveness of book bannings. Despite this, banning a book still allows the creation of a sense of official prestige for some ideas over others, which can be used to mold and alter the educational curriculum to suit certain agendas. For example, banning books that discuss racial violence in a modern and contemporary setting, like The Hate U Give, while allowing books that treat racial violence as something that only occurred in the past and thus obscure the fact that racial violence is still a real and current problem for many people. While there may appear at first glance to be a good reason to ban some books over others, such as violence or hate speech, the act of book banning itself is inherently tied to censorship. To ban a book is to restrict and repress freedom of speech, stifle ideas, promote certain ideas over others, and enforce oppression of minorities. Banning a book is, above all else, a powerful tool to prevent certain groups and people from making their voices heard and sharing their authentic, lived experiences with others. Those interested in contributing against banned books may be interested in contacting the Banned Books Week website to see how they can contribute, or learn how to host their own local, smaller Banned Books Week, or donate to the American Library Association , an organization that advocates for literary and intellectual freedom. Sources Beauchamp, Zack. 2022 Feb. 10. "Why Book Banning Is Back." vox.com. https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/22914767/book-banning-crt-school-boards-republicans Butler University Libraries. 2021. Apr. 17. "Banned Books: Reasons Books Are Challenged." libguides.butler.edu. https://libguides.butler.edu/bannedbooks?p=217686 Ford, Nadia. 2017. "Book Banning." Duke University. duke.edu. https://sites.duke.edu/unsuitable/book-banning/ McGreevey, Nora. 2022. Feb. 2. "Banned by Tennessee School Board, ‘Maus’ Soars to the Top of Bestseller Charts." smithsonianmag.com. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/maus-becomes-bestseller-after-tennessee-school-ban-180979499/ Pen America. "Banned in the USA: Rising School Book Bans Threaten Free Expression and Students’ First Amendment Rights". pen.org. https://pen.org/banned-in-the-usa/ Previous Next

Learning to Give < Back Community Resources: Civic Responsibility Written By: Savitha Sithartha Publishing Date: July 12, 2021 Today's youth bear a heightened burden of civic responsibility. As they face a myriad of complex issues, including climate change, unemployment, wealth disparities, student loan debt, and high healthcare costs, it is understandable that trying to choose the right resources to support the causes and interests they value most is a tremendous challenge. Civic responsibility may not seem like the first priority for youth who have recently graduated and are in the early stages of adulthood. But starting and continuing acts civic responsibility can help youth advocate for themselves and their future. In fact, one single act of advocacy from just one individual has the capability to empower many others. While there are various different ways to do this, one of the most significant ways to make an impact in your community is by supporting political candidates and charitable organizations through financial contributions. Below are a few tactics to help youth effectively navigate our complex and digitized world to play an active part in their community. If you are interested in volunteering for a non-profit, a private or city volunteering page is a great place to search. This is the best way to choose reliable, transparent organizations and avoid common scams that take advantage of individuals’ giving tendencies. Do research before donating. You will want to know where your money is heading. Make sure to find out as much as you can about the organization to ensure that your money is going towards a worthy cause. Start by checking that the advocacy group is real and verifying the name belongs to an organization licensed with your state's attorney general. A real organization should be listed on the attorney general's web page, which will also have a list of any complaints others might have lodged against those organizations. Some seedier organizations may employ “high pressure tactics” to get you to do something you're not comfortable with, such as spending a larger amount of money than you're prepared to give, or promising returns on your donation. One way to protect yourself from exploitation is by paying with either checks or credit card, rather than with cash, as this leaves evidence to use in case of fraud. The Better Business Bureau is an invaluable resource to see how large charities use their funds and identify if their values align with yours and if those organizations have any questionable business practices. If you want to consider taking a more direct approach to supporting your favorite causes, you can donate to political groups and candidates to influence public policy. Your financial contributions have the potential to aid both political campaigns and reduce the financial burden of setting up voting areas, which increases youth accessibility to voting. An individual donor can make a financial contribution through the following means: a candidate committee, a separated segregated fund (SSF), a kind of political action committee (PAC) sponsored by an organization or a labor union, and nonconnected political action committees, and Super PACs. While long-term commitment to an advocacy group is usually recommended by these groups, it can also be beneficial to reevaluate your interests to make sure that an organization or political group is still a good match for you. Look through an organization’s causes, goals, and history to make sure that they fit your priorities. Unfortunately, we as youth often hear fellow peers waiting for the right age and time to start giving. Luckily, donating does not require a large income, financial stability, or even a large time commitment. According to multi-millionaire and personal finance guru Dave Ramsey, giving means “donating to charities, supporting worthy causes—even if you’re in debt. It may sound illogical, but it’s actually legit”. (Ramsey Solutions, 2021). Youth do not have to delay the feeling of personal satisfaction and pride of having donated to their favorite causes simply because of their young age. The feeling of personal pride that follows is just one incentive to donate; giving to 501(c)3 charitable organizations also qualifies you for federal tax deductions. It can be useful for future recollection to keep track of your donations by saving bank records and other written communications. This is why using either credit or check is ideal, as it creates something for your tax records, even if you don't have to submit those documents with your regular tax returns. (2021). The Internal Revenue Service is a great place to look to learn further information regarding “ tax tips for donors ”. There is no better time to get started being active and engaged in your community. Take a second to look at your budget. It’s okay to start small. Take a second to review these tips on charity donations . Then, choose from your favorite interests and causes, and give. That’s all there is to it! Sources Federal Election Commission. (n.d.). Understanding ways to support federal candidates. FEC.gov. https://www.fec.gov/introduction-campaign-finance/understanding-ways-support-federal-candidates/ . IRS. (2021, March 19). Charitable Contributions. Internal Revenue Service. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-contributions . Maldonado, C. (2018, July 10). Charity Donating Tips. CharityWatch. https://www.charitywatch.org/charity-donating-tips . Ramsey Solutions. (2021, March 1). Budget Percentages. Ramsey Solutions. https://www.ramseysolutions.com/budgeting/budget-percentages . USA.gov. (2021, March 23). Donating to Charity. USAGov. https://www.usa.gov/donate-to-charity . Previous Next

Social Justice: History, Impact, and Advocacy Written By: Brianna Vanderstelt Publishing Date: April 23, 2023 The internet and social media have played an instrumental role in the fight against systemic issues in society such as racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, and so on. With an easily accessible place for discussion , concepts that were once only known within the world of academia and politics have spilled into our news articles, headlines, and public forums. One such concept is social justice. [1] Social justice is a notion with several layers. [2] At its most basic and concise, social justice can be thought of as equitable access to wealth, opportunities, and privilege within society (The Pachamama Alliance, n.d.). To add to this, five main principles can be associated with the concept: access to resources, equity, participation, diversity, and human rights (CFI Team, 2022). An even simpler way to think of social justice is similar to the idea of fairness. Rather than blanket equality, social justice calls for making society fairer for all by taking into consideration systematic barriers certain groups may face. It is this way of thinking that is perhaps the most historically accurate when considering the timeline of social justice as a concept. The Rise of Social Justice First coined in 1840 by Luigi Taparalli D’Azgelio, an Italian Catholic priest, social justice was introduced in response to the overwhelming strain being put on American families during the industrial revolution. While this period is best known for its innovation and growth, families were also abandoning their rural lifestyles for the opportunities in the city, leading to them becoming wage-dependent and exploited. Ultimately, the industrial period led to the abuse of marginalized groups, a highly stratified class system, and the misuse of human labor (CFI Team, 2022; Novak, 2009; Pachamama Alliance, n.d.). This combination of factors led to the rise of social justice. Early advocates focused largely on issues relating to capitalism, property, wealth, and workers’ rights. The net of social justice continued to expand as issues of other social spheres were acknowledged. Specifically, during the 20th century, we see the definition broaden from a focus on resources and wealth to equity and privilege as the civil rights movement took the stage (Pachamama Alliance, n.d.). From this point forward, social justice was molded into the social justice we know now. Being an Advocate in Everyday Life From a fight to reduce extreme class stratification to shining a light on major systemic issues to being a model society strives for, the impact of social justice is and continues to be far-reaching. However, we are nowhere near finished and advocacy continues to be crucial. There are several ways you can be a social justice advocate, with Kansas University (2021) compiling an informative and practical list for us. However, some often-cited options may not be entirely accessible (e.g., voting) or realistic (e.g., donating) for everyone. With this in mind, the following list will describe a few ways you can be an advocate in your everyday life. Educate yourself and others. While cliche, educating yourself on social justice issues and listening to other social justice activists will give you a solid foundational understanding of the concept. This will allow you to see connections and become a strong critical thinker. Identify and speak up against social injustices. With education comes awareness. Once you start and continue to educate yourself, you may find it easier to identify moments of unfairness, whether it’s at work, in the news, or out with friends. By speaking up in these moments, you’re not only showcasing your advocacy but you’re also creating a safer environment for all individuals. Self-reflection. Uncomfortable but important, self-reflection means examining your thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Just as it’s important to point out the injustices others may contribute to, it’s equally important, if not more, to be aware of the ways you may be contributing to social injustice. Understanding your own privilege and how your beliefs and behaviors may be harmful will allow you to rectify those thoughts and actions. Be actively inclusive. Too often, inclusivity becomes a label plastered over every mission and value statement. However, because of systemic discrimination and bias, to truly be inclusive requires action . This can be something as simple as making connections with minority co-workers who keep to themselves or don’t speak up at team meetings. If you’re in a leadership position, this could mean more encouragement and affirmation to those workers. [3] Just suggested removing some phrases here that felt unnecessary for conciseness. I suggested removing the rest of the sentence because one of the ways social justice is layered is through definition, which you go into and already state with what's there. Just thought it might make a little more concise. I think all of this can go in the "Identify and Speak Up Against Social Injustices" section because it's all about taking action. It relates to that strongly so just taking your key points from this section, such as the ways you can take action here by helping coworkers and affirming them and moving that there, then getting rid of the rest of this section would cut down the article while keeping the main ideas together. I hope my explanation makes sense. Sources CFI Team. (2022, May 8). Social justice . Corporate Finance Institute. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/social-justice/ Indivisible Project. (n.d.). How to be inclusive: An introduction . Indivisible. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://indivisible.org/resource/how-be-inclusive-introduction Kansas University. (2021, June 28). 15 ways to advance social justice in your community . KU SOE. Retrieved October 15, 2022, from https://educationonline.ku.edu/community/15-ways-to-advance-social-justice Novak, M. (2009, December 29). Social Justice: Not what you think it is . The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://www.heritage.org/poverty-and-inequality/report/social-justice-not-what-you-think-it The Pachamama Alliance. (n.d.). What is social justice? The Pachamama Alliance. Retrieved October 14, 2022, from https://pachamama.org/social-justice/what-is-social-justice#:~:text=Social%20Justice%20as%20a%20concept,capitalistic%20exploitation%20of%20human%20labor Previous Next

< Back After Hours Childcare Act Written By: Carson Watkins Publishing Date: October 13, 2023 In recent years, working families have struggled to find high-quality, affordable childcare in the United States. Difficulty finding these services has forced mothers out of the workforce and has hurt the education of American Children. Families have reported spending the majority of their income on childcare, leaving our nation's leadership searching for solutions. In 2019, the Center for American Progress (CAP) reported on the crisis. According to their research, fifty percent of parents reported difficulty obtaining childcare. Parents often have to excuse themselves from work due to the lack of childcare. Parents leaving the office to care for their children has cost businesses billions of dollars (Center for American Progress, 2019). The childcare crisis escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the schools closed their doors parents lost their primary childcare resource. According to Harvard Business School (2021), twenty-nine percent of women became unemployed during the pandemic due to a lack of childcare. In a Bipartisan effort, Senator Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana, and Maggie Hassan, a Democrat from New Hampshire, introduced the After-Hours Childcare Act to give flexibility to all parents, especially those who work non-traditional hours. The Legislation would grant 980 million dollars in Childcare and Development Block Grants, expanding access to childcare and assisting sections of the country where childcare services are increasingly difficult to obtain ( Center for American Progress, 2022). The legislation also addresses one of the forgotten members of this debate: the workers. Since 2019, an estimated 100,000 childcare workers have left the industry, citing low pay, poor working conditions, and licensing issues, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the New York Times, childcare workers often struggle to make ends meet, making minimum wage, and often facing food insecurity. The legislation aims to use grants to set a base wage comparable to the salaries of elementary educators and can be adjusted based on cost-of-living expenses. The After-Hours Childcare Act would be a monumental step in caring for our children and investing in their success by giving them early education opportunities while also investing in the American economy, allowing parents to continue in their employment with the safety of their children in their mind. Sources “5 Things To Know About the Child Care for Working Families Act” The Center for American Progress May 1, 2023 “Childcare Is a Business Issue” Harvard Business Review April 29, 2021 “The Childcare Crisis Is Keeping Women Out of the Workforce” The Center for American Progress “The After-Hours Childcare Act” KIN23100 KG7 2023 “Why You Can't Find Childcare: 100000 Workers Are Missing” New York Times, October 13, 2022 “Young, Hassan Introduce Bill to Support ChildCare Affordability for Working Families” March, 28, 2023 Previous Next

Celebrating Black Art in America Written by: Kaitlin Nguyen The impact of visual arts should not be underestimated - art is a powerful medium to convey expressions, communications, and emotions, helping to shape culture, discourse, and representations in ways that can be both influential and accessible. From its roots, its movements, its artists, and its stories, Black art in America is engaging and provoking. With Black History Month as our backdrop, this article highlights only a small portion of the many works and perspectives in Black art. There are many examples of Black artists throughout American history who have and will continue to make their mark on art and culture as we experience it, through their strengths of expression and fights against adversity. Names such as Moses Williams, famous for his cut-paper profiles, and David Drake, known for his inscribed storage pottery, were artists that were born into slavery (Mitchell, et al., n.d., pp. 8-11). Landscape painter Robert S. Duncan, recognized as the first internationally known African-American artist, was self-taught without formal training (Robinson, 2018). Henry Osawa Tanner, the first internationally acclaimed African-American painter, grew up in hardship, and is widely known for his depictions of African Americans in realist tradition (“African American Art,” n.d.; Robinson, 2018). He immortalized his mother, Sarah, who escaped slavery and helped found one of the first black women societies in the U.S., in his work Portrait of the Artist’s Mother (Mitchell, et al., n.d., pp. 12-13). The links between race and visual culture are continually established, developed, and reworked. And art has always provided a space to amplify expression and commentary. The Harlem Renaissance (1918-1937) is widely considered the most significant explosion of Black art in American history, featuring waves of new Black artists, notable works, and varieties of Black expression that would have a powerful impact on black aesthetics, the artistic expression of racial identity, and the African American experience for decades to come (Mitchell, et al., n.d., pp. 14; Robinson, 2018). Influential artists from this period included Aaron Douglas, a leading figure in Harlem and in inspiration for geometrical modern art and design, William Henry Johnson, a blind artist who mastered a colorful, rhythmic, and strikingly simple style, Hale Woodruff, acclaimed for his poignant and stirring murals, etc., artists whom both made themselves in and made Harlem a cultural center of art (Mitchell, et al., n.d., pp. 14-16; Robinson, 2018; Hale Woodruff, n.d.). The Harlem Renaissance would go on to drive the art of following Black artists such Horace Pippin, a former soldier that used art as a statement about racial injustice, Jacob Lawrence, a painter and storyteller whose depictions of everyday life, both the fun and the ugly, such as in his Harlem Series, struck a cord with African American communities and the working class, Gordon Parks, a photojournalist that overcame poverty and discrimination and used photography to fight social and economic injustice, and Romare Bearden, Charles Alston, and James Wells, notable practitioners of Abstract Expressionism and realism (“African American Art,” n.d.; Mitchell, et al., n.d., pp. 18-23; Robinson, 2018). Early African American movements, especially in the 1950s and 1960s, led to the proliferation of museums dedicated to the preservation and celebration of African American art and culture, such as the currently named African American Museum in Cleveland, African American Museum and Library in Oakland, and DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago (Robinson, 2018). From the Black Arts Movement of the late 1960s to 1970s, a symbol of black revitalization and liberation that pervaded and fueled the Black Power Movement and Civil Rights Movement of the time, rose artists such as Charles White, Jeff Donaldson, and Elizabeth Catlett, whose works highlighted African-Americans as individuals, workers, and liberators, producing powerful displays of Black pride and empowerment (Foster, 2014; Mitchell, et al., n.d., pp. 24-25; Robinson, 2018; Robinson, 2020). The Black Expressionism style that rose to prominence during this time in response to the post-war era, was popularized by abstract artists such as Sam Gilliam and Martin Puryear (“African American Art,” n.d.). The exploration of race, ethnicity, and identity has, and continues to be, a prominent force that shakes the art world, and Black art has and continues to shine in both the conceptual and figurative. It is through the effort, talent, and consciousness of every one of these artists and many others, that have inspired and paved the way for contemporary Black artists. African American visual art has historically developed in parallel, often in isolation, to the white-dominated, mainstream culture in the U.S. Despite its enduring presence and rich history since the country’s conception, and the consistent creation of stylistically impressive and thought-provoking works, Black art has only recently found attention and recognition with America’s mainstream art scene, as demonstrated by the recent upticks in Black-centric exhibitions, shows, sales, and attention from critics (Cotter, 2021; LaRocca, n.d.; Robinson, 2018). The 1990s postmodern art era saw the notable emergence and establishment of marginalized artists in the mainstream, including black female artists such as Faith Ringgold, well-known for her story quilts whose protagonists have provided role models for young girls of color, Carrie Mae Weems, a photographer that explores the individual, family, and power dynamics, as seen in her Kitchen Table Series, and Lorna Simpson, whose works prominently feature African American woman and challenged perceptions of gender, identity, and history (Mitchell, et al., n.d., pp. 30-35; Robinson, 2018). For example, the unveiling of the National Portrait Gallery portraits of the Obamas, painted by artists Sherald and Kehinde Wiley, achieved record-breaking attendance at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (LaRocca, n.d.). Black Art: In the Absence of Light, an HBO documentary directed by Sam Pollard, spotlights the contributions of Black artists in the contemporary art world, and discusses the long history of the “shutting out” of Black art from the mainstream art scene (Pollard, 2021). The documentary features the voices of painter and teacher David Driskell, Spelman College president Mary Schmidt, art historian and curator Maurice Berger, and other contemporary artists, dealers, and curators, that in the documentary, share their perspectives on the history of neglect and gatekeeping of Black art, and of the recent ongoing corrections in the art world (Cotter, 2021; Pollard, 2021). Today’s contemporary artists, such as Kara Walker, Fred Wilson, Radcliffe Bailey, Jordan Casteel, Kerry James Marshall, Kehinde Wiley, Amy Sherland, Paul Rucker, and Theaster Gates, and many, many others, including various youth artists, continue the tradition of their predecessors in pushing the frontiers of art, of capturing distinctly African-American experiences, and of exploring social, cultural, economic, and identity issues through visual art, rising quickly in the art world from the groundwork that has been laid by a couple centuries of struggles and successes of African-American artists, gallerists, dealers, and scholars (LaRocca, n.d.; Pollard, 2021; “African American Art,” n.d.). Although the mainstream art world is now finally now digging through the treasure trove that is Black art, Black artists and the art world in general, continue to deal with issues of representation, cultural marginalization, and financial inequities, among many other things, as Black artists continue to fight for control over their art and how they are seen and represented. (Cotter, 2021; Pollard, 2021). Even with its growing successes in the mainstream, black galleries, dealers, and artists - the black communities - have yet to reap their fair share of financial benefits from their art. For the most part, the art world is still disproportionately dominated by white galleries (LaRocca, n.d.).For Black History Month and all throughout the year, youth can show support for Black artists and the communities and places that provide spaces for Black artists to be heard. Check out some more contemporary Black artists: https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-influential-living-african-american-arThe Aesthetics of the Black Arts Movementtists https://www.marylynnbuchanan.com/blog/contemporary-black-artists-you-need-to-know-2020 Discover the history and tradition of Black art: https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/black-art-in-the-absence-of-light “Some of the most important work being made right now—abstract and figurative—is by black Americans… Great art is bred where the artist is closest to their core humanity, and I think sometimes adversity breeds that” - Christopher Bedford. “This is Black art. And it matters. And it’s been going on for two hundred years. Deal with it” - Maurice Berger in Black Art: In the Absence of Light. African American Art. (n.d.) Oxford University Press. Retrieved from https://www.oxfordartonline.com/page/african-american-art Cotter, Holland. (2021). ‘Black Art: In the Absence of Light’ Reveals a History of Neglect and Triumph. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/08/arts/design/black-art-hbo-review.html LaRocca, Lauren. (n.d.). The Color Line. Baltimore Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/section/artsentertainment/black-artists-finally-receiving-recognition-in-mainstream-art-world/ Foster, Hannah. (2014). The Black Arts Movement (1965-1975). BlackPast. Retrieved from https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/black-arts-movement-1965-1975/ Hale Woodruff. (n.d.). Smithsonian. Retrieved from https://americanart.si.edu/artist/hale-woodruff-5477Mitchell, Rebecca, et al. (n.d.). Represent: 200 Years of African American Art - A Resource for Students and Teachers. Philadelphia Museum of Art. https://philamuseum.org/doc_downloads/education/ex_resources/Represent.pdf Pollard, Sam. (Director). (2021). Black Art: In the Absence of Light [Documentary]. HBO. Robinson, Shantay. (2018). A Very Abbreviated Version of Black Art History. BLACK ART IN AMERICA™. Retrieved from https://www.blackartinamerica.com/index.php/2018/11/20/a-very-abbreviated-version-of-black-art-history/#:~:text=While%20the%2019th%20century,obtain%20degrees%20in%20the%20arts Robinson, Shantay. (2020). The Aesthetics of the Black Arts Movement. BLACK ART IN AMERICA™. Retrieved from https://www.blackartinamerica.com/index.php/2020/08/24/the-aesthetics-of-the-black-arts-movement/

OUR MISSION At the United States Youth Forum, our mission is to empower underserved youth by normalizing youth-led civic engagement as an essential part of community and societal change. We strive to create accessible, inclusive opportunities for young people to develop leadership, advocacy, and community organizing skills. Through volunteer opportunities that align with their talents and passions, we enable youth to actively shape change, build movements, and make informed decisions, fostering a healthy, ongoing relationship with the process of creating positive change in their communities. Contact Us The United States Youth Forum is an organization where youth voices come together to form a collective, regardless of sex, religion, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, or partisan identity. USYF’s focus is not only on raising awareness of issues that impact youth in America, while advocating for consequential change. OUR VALUES Youth in Dialogue with Each Other No Bigotry, No Hate Forward Thinking Civic Engagement Community Collaboration Youth-Driven Youth-Led Non Partisan and Inclusive Abundance Mindset Long-term Impact Inclusive Equity

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Written by: Micah Benjamin Today's world is seeing the need to understand diverse perspectives from underrepresented individuals in their present community, environment, and so forth. Diversity can be viewed from many different perspectives; Mckinsey & Company addressed the description through gender, age, ethnicity, physical ability, and neurodiversity. It is essential to understand the wide range of defined aspects of diversity. Equity is the equitable treatment for all individuals through knowledge that the norms present are neither identified nor predict the individual's success. McKinsey and Company address the difference between equality and equity. "Equality is giving everyone the same pair of shoes. Equity is giving everyone a pair of shoes that fits. (Rise, n.d.)". Inclusion is embracing oneself in the current environment, community, workplace, etc. Inclusion aims to comfort all individuals and ensure all voices are heard. All three are values that are closely linked in order to incorporate a space for all progressively. Origin of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Past and Present Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is not a recent movement; it has been defined in the United States since the start of the 1960s civil rights movement. Prepared by Margo Edmunds, Ph.D., and Dorcas Lind, MPH, provided a glossary to help cultivate knowledge regarding social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion through the support of the DEI Advisory Group. The movement has grown to include gender, sexual orientation, religion, country of origin, and other identities, concluding a sense of intersectionality. We have seen movements such as #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, and #StopAAPIHate, which has sparked the need for representation and compelled Americans to reflect on the social inequalities in our nation (Dong, 2021). In addition, the growing DEI understanding shows a growing market for professional leadership roles. Spark of a New Profession Due to the rise in the need for representation in all areas, DEI programs have given rise to significant investment to improve overall performance and retention. According to Indeed data, the demand for diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DI&B) roles has increased significantly over the past year (Murray, n.d.). Through the decline of the U.S. economy in the Spring of 2020, the DI&B market has recovered significantly, with a job rise of an astounding 123% between May and September. In addition, due to the events of a nationwide protest, industries have expressed support for the Black Lives Matter Movement, enforcing equality in and outside the workplace (Murray, n.d). With the drive for incentives and programming to increase and cultivate DEI, we must understand that there is no shortcut to establishing the change needed in one's workplace and, most importantly, in society. As a result, we must continue to advocate to make the environment more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. What is diversity, equity, and inclusion? (2022, July 15). McKinsey & Company; McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-diversity-equity-and-inclusionEdmunds, M., & Lind, D. (2021). Glossary of Definitions and Core Concepts for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Prepared by. In Academyhealthorg. https://academyhealth.org/sites/default/files/publication/%5Bfield_date%3Acustom%3AY%5D-%5Bfield_date%3Acustom%3Am%5D/deiglossary_nov_2021_1.pdf Dong, S. (2021, June 2). The History and Growth of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Profession. Global Research and Consulting Group Insights; Global Research and Consulting Group Insights. https://insights.grcglobalgroup.com/the-history-and-growth-of-the-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-profession/ Murray, J. (n.d.). Jobs in Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Have Risen 123% Since May—Here’s How To Get One. Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/diversity-inclusion-and-belonging-jobs-rise

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We want to educate and inform young people. As a youth-led organization, this means young people are at the forefront of educating and informing their peers, giving them an ownership over the process. How do we do this? Through original content written by USYF volunteers and published on our website and through our social media team. Videos and other multimedia content created by the team. Online webinars and forums. In-person events that are geared towards raising awareness. Young people should be inspired to use their motivation, hunger for change, and desire to make the world a better place. We want to provide a space for them to be inspired and take that first step to becoming more involved or active in their community. How do we do this? Through highlighting the stories of other young people who had the motivation and tools to become involved. Videos and other multimedia content created by the team. Online networking events. In-person events that are geared towards engaging and inspiring youth. Mission & Vision: Mission We want to connect young people together within their local communities, as well as across the entire United States. Youth should feel like belong to a strong and united network of young people. In addition, we want to connect young people to their local communities, in order to build a stronger civic and communal identity. How do we do this? Through the building of local USYF chapters where young people are actively involved in seeing through the vision of USYF within their local communities. Membership with USYF that provides opportunities for meet-ups and online networking events. In-person events that partner with local activists and organizations to include young people. We believe strongly that young people should be included within the power-making space so often closed-off for them. Young people should be centered within dialogue spaces and be a part of the process that determines policies affecting their lives and their futures. We strive to form connections with people in positions of power in order to encourage them to include young people within the process How do we do this? Through building relationships with people in power and and actively engaging them in a co-equal dialogue. Through lobbying activities that are sanctioned by an approved action agenda. In-person events that partner with local activists, organizers, lawmakers, people in positions of power, and organizations.

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