The American people clearly favor choice and abortion rights, not bans. In every state, including conservative ones, where abortion has been on the ballot, choice has won and bans have lost. Consensus is emerging in state referenda. There may be dozens more in 2024. Should Congress fully restore abortion rights by a simple narrow majority … Continue reading Abortion As A Divisive Issue Can End
Movements
Environmental Movement History, Observed Around Earth Day, April 22
April 22 being Earth Day, I posted on Substack a remembrance of Rachel Carson (1907-1964). And here, some videos and a link to the history of the Environmental Movement. News coverage this year focused on climate change optimism. "There's plenty to feel good about," reports USA Today. Propublica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30xLg2HHg8Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rrop3EJIzI There are lots more videos … Continue reading Environmental Movement History, Observed Around Earth Day, April 22
Will Murder of Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny Strengthen Democracy Movement?
The murder of Russian opposition leader Alexei Anatolyevich Navalny (June 4, 1976 - Feb. 16, 2024) in a Siberian prison reveals the brutality of Vladimir Putin and the brazen arrogance of rigidly authoritarian systems. Navalny was a lawyer and anti-corruption activist. He organized anti-government demonstrations and ran for office to advocate reforms against corruption in … Continue reading Will Murder of Russian Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny Strengthen Democracy Movement?
Has History Professor HCR Started A Social Movement?
Boston College History Professor Heather Cox Richardson is phenomenal. Her new book, Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America, has rocketed to bestseller lists. Her initial book tour included at least a dozen stops, and was absolutely packed with fans. Many events were recorded and posted on YouTube. They seem fresh and authentic, not … Continue reading Has History Professor HCR Started A Social Movement?
Shots Fired At Inter-Racial Party in Small-town NC, 1969 Echo Through The Years
As part of my ongoing series on how baby boomers are processing or reconciling their formative experiences on race, I stumbled upon Holydiscomfort.com, by Karen Bryant Shipp, "love letters to the church" (on) religion, social justice, anti-racism. In the summer of 1969 near Wake Forest, NC, shots were fired into her home, the Baptist Church … Continue reading Shots Fired At Inter-Racial Party in Small-town NC, 1969 Echo Through The Years
Women’s Rights Grew Out of Abolitionist Movement
Maura Casey on Substack reveals how the women's rights movement grew out of the anti-slavery movement. She offers an excellent piece marking the 175th anniversary of the Seneca Falls Women’s Rights Convention in 1848, and its ringleader Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Insightful. Click. More on the convention from History.com.
President James Garfield, R, Elected in 1880, Was Strongly Pro-Civil Rights
President James Garfield (1831-1881) of Ohio spoke strongly in favor of civil rights for African Americans. But he did not live to see legislation enacted because he was assassinated a little over six months after taking office. The new president, Chester A. Arthur, did not share his views and was far more aligned with big … Continue reading President James Garfield, R, Elected in 1880, Was Strongly Pro-Civil Rights
Civil Rights Activist Medgar Evers Was Assassinated 60 Years Ago. His Widow In Her 90s Is Still An Activist
June 2023 marked the 60th anniversary of the assassination of Medgar Evers (July 2, 1925-June 12, 1963), an American civil rights activist and the NAACP's first field secretary in Mississippi, who was murdered by Byron De La Beckwith about the same time that President Kennedy gave his landmark address to the nation on civil rights. Wikipedia. … Continue reading Civil Rights Activist Medgar Evers Was Assassinated 60 Years Ago. His Widow In Her 90s Is Still An Activist
Historians and Leaders Reflect on President John F. Kennedy’s Address on Civil Rights, June 1963
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YndI-tXlN6Q JFK Library: Historians reflect on President Kennedy's June 11,1963 speech on civil rights. Just a year later, Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I remember my mother, a high school teacher, being so impressed by this speech that she became much more passionate in advocating for the desegregation of public schools. This … Continue reading Historians and Leaders Reflect on President John F. Kennedy’s Address on Civil Rights, June 1963
Pat Schroeder, Pioneering Female Congresswoman, Dies At 82
NYT: "In a long career in the House and armed with barbed wit, she helped win legislation on family leave, pregnancy discrimination, and other progressive causes." Pat Schroeder became "an icon for the feminist movement," AP reported. "Her parting shot in 1998 was a book titled 24 Years of Housework ... and the Place is … Continue reading Pat Schroeder, Pioneering Female Congresswoman, Dies At 82
Teaching History's Slender Threads, Including 'What Ifs', Almosts, Alternatives and Turning Points 