American Alliance of Museums’ Post

Only when we prioritize racial justice through legislative action can we truly ensure that all areas of democracy benefit everyone, regardless of generational wealth, class, or privilege. Let's acknowledge the importance of this and work towards creating a more equitable society for all. #racialjustice #equality #democracy

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 became law 60 years ago today, but Black Americans still trail White Americans in economic and social equality, National Urban League says. The League’s 2024 Equality Index, which measures social and economic status of African Americans relative to Whites, is at 75.7. At full equality, the index would be 100. There is no question the Civil Rights Act has brought progress, but economic empowerment is key to parity. The National Urban League’s 2024 State of Black America is an insightful report that analyzes the Civil Rights Act’s impact on Black America. https://bit.ly/3W2QMX9 #civilrightsact #civilrights #democracy #equality

“If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.” – John F. Kennedy Do you feel we are getting closer to JFK's goal from 1963 of making the world safe for diversity? https://lnkd.in/gRH6YV-G #emotionalintelligence #emotionalquotient #vote #voters #voterregistration #votersuppression #voteready #votenow #votelocal #didyouvote #inclusivity #inclusionmatters #inclusive #inclusionforall #inclusiveworkplace #inclusion #inclusionmatters #draftdodgingtrump #pussygrabbingtrump #taxevadingtrump #seditioustrump

Our new report 'Race at the Bar: Three years on' reveals there has been some progress on access, retention, progression and culture and the overall diversity of the Bar is improving year by year. But there is much more work to do, particularly in relation to the experience of Black barristers and Black aspiring barristers, students and pupils. We're calling on individuals, chambers, and organisations at the Bar to step up work on race equality and keep the momentum going. Alongside the report we've published a new race equality toolkit to help everyone at the Bar to take effective action. Launching the report, Laurie-Anne Power QC, co-chair of the race panel, said: "As this report demonstrates, the most useful action is often in the most difficult areas – in ensuring everyone’s experience of the Bar is positive, irrespective of background. We would like to see a profession where the chance of being taken on is not linked to race. Where the amount earned is not linked to ethnic origin. And where we all recognise tackling racial inequality requires sustained commitment." Simon R., co-chair of the race panel, added: "“Progress has been made, but we must not be complacent... Our response to this report’s findings must be to double down to ensure we make better progress, more quickly, in future. In the meantime, we urge everyone at the Bar to work with us and collaborate with each other so that together we can make the Bar more inclusive and accessible for every aspiring and practising barrister.” Read our press release and download the new report and toolkit: https://lnkd.in/dZS4H7bw

The FAIR Montclair chapter responds to local criticism: "FAIR opposes CRT when it assigns virtue and vice to entire groups of people based on immutable characteristics while denying their common humanity and individuality... FAIR has challenged DEI programs when they treat people differently based on identity characteristics in violation of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, suppress open debate, or require ideological conformity. Because research shows that identity-focused DEI training tends to increase prejudice, FAIR and like-minded groups have offered alternative training that focuses on commonalities rather than differences. Finally, we strongly object to the author's claim that FAIR lacks 'compatibility with the values Montclair holds dear.'  This claim implies that Montclair citizens must adhere to an orthodox set of values.  Such intolerance is one reason FAIR was founded. If the values Montclair 'holds dear' include civil and open discussion—rather than claiming that people who hold different opinions are being 'deceptive' and trying to 'mislead' —then FAIR is a perfect addition to our town." 💙 #BeFAIR https://lnkd.in/gXfjJtpn

The ACLU campaign "Systemic Equality: Equal Access, Better Futures" uses nationwide litigation, advocacy, and public education to advance laws and policies rooted in racial equity. They feature various topics including fair housing, voting rights, economic justice, and more. This is a great resource to learn about the effects of systemic policies and the opportunities they block. https://lnkd.in/evET-37U.

“Absolute equality is not about equal results, but about creating a society that supports all to become their very best selves to benefit a collective community." -Sam Collins III, Juneteenth Legacy Project Co-Chair On June 19, 1865 - a full two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation - Union General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, proclaiming: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.” Since 1866, Black communities, first in Texas and then across the United States, gathered to mark the day that became known as Juneteenth. When Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, the Nia Cultural Center & Juneteenth Legacy Project unveiled a 5,000-square-foot public art mural called, "Absolute Equality." It overlooks the site where Granger issued General Order No. 3. Reginald Adams was the lead artist. The Reconstruction era was a critical period in American history where millions of Black people sought their rightful place as equal citizens under the law. I highly recommend using the National Park Service's Reconstruction Era National Historic Network to learn more. The link is in the comments below. #juneteenth #history #historymatters #law #whatinspiresme #justice

economic opportunity is a human right

The title of this piece struck a nerve. I have often felt like no matter how good I was, no matter how much BETTER I was - the obstacles to my success were almost insurmountable. The author of this opinion piece, Professor Randall Kennedy of Harvard Law School, highlights a recurring pattern where efforts to redress racial injustice are met with accusations of "reverse discrimination" and claims of unfair preference. Prof. Kennedy discusses the historical opposition faced by initiatives aimed at advancing African Americans and addressing racial inequality, particularly in the context of affirmative action in higher education. The historical examples cited run a broad range - from objections to emancipation during slavery to resistance against civil rights legislation, executive orders combating racial discrimination, and contemporary debates on affirmative action. Opposition to such measures often involves arguments against perceived racial preferences, with critics contending that race-conscious policies are discriminatory. Even seemingly race-neutral approaches are now being challenged, suggesting a broader effort to delegitimize initiatives promoting racial integration and diversity. The article concludes by questioning the consistency of those who, in other contexts, advocate for localism, institutional experimentation, and judicial restraint but endorse a single, absolutist stance against affirmative action, suggesting that racial resentment may be a driving force behind such opposition.

The Dismantle DEI Act, introduced by Sen. J.D. Vance and supported by influential conservative groups such as Heritage Action for America, Citizens for Renewing America, Claremont Institute Center for the American Way of Life, and the Manhattan Institute, seeks to strip federal agencies, contractors, and educational institutions of their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The bill aims to eliminate DEI training, abolish the roles of Chief Diversity Officers and DEI Offices in federal departments, and prevent federal contractors and federal grants from funding DEI initiatives, among other measures. Proponents argue that these programs promote division and ideological conformity, but this perspective fails to recognize the vital role DEI efforts play in fostering a fairer, more inclusive society. https://lnkd.in/gme3wehy