All articles tagged with #community activism
The Inglewood Unified School District faces ongoing challenges with school closures, financial struggles, and community opposition, highlighting broader issues of funding, inequality, and community impact in California's public education system.
Kenyan villagers successfully protected their ancestral prayer caves from a threatening Emirati-backed cement project by mobilizing community efforts and raising awareness, preserving their cultural and spiritual heritage.
Labor unions and community groups across the U.S. are holding protests on Labor Day to oppose the influence of billionaires and support workers, with events in cities like Boston, Chicago, and South Carolina, emphasizing opposition to the Trump administration and billionaire-backed policies.
The article highlights how ordinary people, through organizations like Gay Men’s Health Crisis, stepped up during the AIDS epidemic when institutions failed, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and community support, lessons that remain relevant amid current challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities and public health systems.
Tanya Woo, a small business owner and activist in the Chinatown-International District, has been chosen to fill the vacant seat on the Seattle City Council until the next election in November. Her selection has sparked controversy, with some criticizing the influence of big business in the decision-making process. Woo, who has a focus on public safety, aims to bring collaboration and unity to the council. The move reflects a broader political shift in Seattle, with a supermajority of centrist candidates winning in the last election.
A Mobile police sergeant and community activist expressed frustration at the lack of attention given to parental responsibility in addressing the issue of teen violence in the city. The sergeant's concerns were sparked by the shooting death of a nine-year-old girl, which the police chief attributed to gang violence. The sergeant emphasized the need for parents and the community to take proactive measures to prevent violence and urged unity against urban terrorism. The discussion at the city council meeting became mired in a debate over police cams, highlighting a breakdown in communication. The sergeant and another community member stressed the importance of parental involvement in raising children to avoid trouble. The district attorney called for information on the crime and emphasized the need to protect children and the sanctity of homes.
Charleston County school board member Carlotte Bailey is facing calls for her resignation after video recordings were released in which she allegedly denies the existence of gay children and blames Black parents for racial achievement gaps in schools. Activist Elvin Speights posted the recordings on Facebook, prompting community leaders to condemn Bailey's remarks. Bailey has not responded to requests for comment. The recordings also reveal Bailey's opposition to discussions about sexuality in the classroom and her support for overhauling the district's health advisory committee. The controversy comes after the board voted to suspend Superintendent Eric Gallien, who has since sued the district for breach of contract.
The Samuels Public Library in Warren County, Virginia, is facing potential closure due to a funding dispute over children's books featuring LGBTQ characters. The county's Board of Supervisors voted to withhold 75% of its appropriation to the library unless the library board revises its bylaws to give the county more control. The library, which relies on county funding, is set to run out of operating funds by the end of the month. A community group called "Clean Up Samuels" has led the charge for change, filing hundreds of complaints about specific books. Another group, "Save Samuels," defends the library and opposes censorship of LGBTQ books. Discussions are ongoing to resolve the dispute.
A controversial "doom loop" tour of San Francisco, promising an up-close look at the city's urban decay and drug problem, was canceled due to controversy. In response, community activists led an "anti-doom loop" tour, but participants still witnessed open drug use and homeless camps. The tour passed by drug deals, homeless addicts, and encampments, highlighting the ongoing issues of drug addiction and homelessness in the city. Despite efforts to address the crisis, including subsidized housing and services, the struggle remains in getting those in need to recognize and accept help. The economic downturn in San Francisco has also impacted residents, with businesses leaving and property values decreasing.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has called a video showing a deputy throwing a woman to the ground "disturbing" and has promised a thorough review of the incident. The video, captured by a bystander and body cameras, shows the deputy detaining a man outside a grocery store in response to a call about an assault on store employees. As the deputy detains the man, he approaches a woman recording the incident and forcibly throws her to the ground. The identities of those involved have not been released, and an investigation has been launched to determine if the use of force was reasonable and necessary. Community groups are demanding accountability and the firing of the deputies, while the mayor of Lancaster is reserving judgment until the investigation is complete. Both officers have been pulled off field duty.
A man was found shot to death in Orange Mound, Memphis. The nonprofit organization Guns Down in Orange Mound is working to bring positivity to the area and curb violence. Police are investigating the incident and have not yet identified a suspect.
Two young children were wounded in separate shootings in Chicago on Saturday afternoon. A three-year-old boy was shot in the face in the Calumet Heights neighborhood, while a six-year-old girl was shot in the arm in Woodlawn. Both were taken to the hospital, and no one is in custody for either shooting. Community activists are calling for people to come forward with information to help stop the gun violence.
Walmart's decision to close four stores in Chicago with little notice has been met with backlash from community activists who argue that the move will deepen food deserts in the affected neighborhoods. Walmart leaders claim that the stores have lost money since opening nearly 17 years ago, but community members argue that the Chatham Supercenter had just finished a major renovation and health center that is vital to the community. The decision has been called "corporate racism" and prompted nationwide repercussions.
Elijah L. Lewis, a community activist known for his work with social justice groups and movements, was shot and killed in his car in Capitol Hill, Seattle. His 9-year-old nephew, who was also shot, survived because Lewis protected him. The Seattle Police Department has arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with the shooting but has not released information about a motive or what led up to the incident. Lewis was dedicated to addressing gun violence and had lost over 40 people to it. His death has left his family and friends devastated.
In the latest episode of Abbott Elementary, the staff bands together to save the school from becoming a charter school. They develop a grassroots approach and start a petition to keep the school public, but struggle to get enough signatures. Ava, the narcissistic principal, plans a festival to lure parents in for signatures, but the headliner doesn't show up. Tariq steps in and performs an inappropriate rap, but the crowd loves it. Draemond, the pending takeover, tries to sell the idea of Legendary Charter to parents, but they push back and shoot down his promises. The festival continues, and Draemond has a one-on-one with his old kindergarten teacher.