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Ripple Effects: Kids for Racial Justice Inspires Other Children
Our work to get the word out about racism is having ripple effects.
We recently heard from a homeschool instructor who has been using the resources on our website with her students to discuss inclusion and antiracism. One of her students, Leslie, discovered a compelling article titled, AI Against Racism. Leslie was eager to pass along the article to us, in order to educate others about the issue of bias in AI. Read the article to learn more about the insidious ways that racial bias creeps into AI and how can engineers can address AI literacy to build more inclusive technology.
We celebrate the enthusiasm and hard work of Leslie and her fellow classmates as they grapple with racism.
We recently heard from a homeschool instructor who has been using the resources on our website with her students to discuss inclusion and antiracism. One of her students, Leslie, discovered a compelling article titled, AI Against Racism. Leslie was eager to pass along the article to us, in order to educate others about the issue of bias in AI. Read the article to learn more about the insidious ways that racial bias creeps into AI and how can engineers can address AI literacy to build more inclusive technology.
We celebrate the enthusiasm and hard work of Leslie and her fellow classmates as they grapple with racism.
Canvassing to End Hair DiscriminationThe Justice Squad went canvassing on Mass Ave. to educate passerby about hair discrimination, which impacts Black people who wear hairstyles like Afros, cornrows or tightly coiled twists. They shared what they had learned about this issue, "People judge other people because of their hairstyle. They don't let them into schools, and are found unprofessional in the workplace."
They collected signatures in support of the CROWN Act, which seeks to ban discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles in workplaces, school districts, and school-related organizations. Just two days later, on March 31st, 2022, the state Senate unanimously approved Massachusetts' version of the bill, moving it one step closer to becoming law here in the Commonwealth! |
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Fundraising for the NAACP
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The Justice Squad raised money for the NAACP's criminal justice reform work by selling one-of-a-kind hats. Kid activists decorated hats with slogans such as "Black Lives Matter" and "We Matter," along with raised fists, rainbows, and hearts.
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Rally for Equality
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When the Justice Squad learned that racist ideas are like a bad song that's stuck in people's heads, they wondered, "Why can’t we replace the racist song with a different song?"
These eager young activists organized a Rally for Equality at their school to teach a “new song.” Their message was simple: all people are equal and beneath our skin we are all the same. Through chants, speeches, and signs, they shared powerful messages about equality, racial justice, and the importance of action with their community. A 5th grade activist wrote and delivered a powerful speech entitled, "Small Things Can Make Big Changes." Small Things Can Make Big ChangesWhen I heard Breonna Taylor's attackers were not tried in court, I was FURIOUS! "How did this happen?" I often wonder. I was very astonished to see such a horrible crime be let off so easily. When I found out, something immediately grew inside me, something so complex I can't find words for it. I knew I had to do something. I knew even the smallest things make a change. So I started learning about it. I spread awareness about it wherever I go, and you can too. Talk to family members and friends about what you think and how you feel. Small things can make big changes, and you can too.
-N, age 10 |
I was so happy to hear the kids at their Rally for Equality. They were wonderful. J was really proud and looked forward to it for days. |
Black Lives Matter MarchThe members of our Junior Justice Squad took to the streets on June 1st, 2021 in support of Black Lives Matter. They were greeted by enthusiastic honks and thumbs up from passing cars and pedestrians.
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End School SegregationThe Spring 2021 Justice Squad tackled school segregation. Children created posters and signs to post in high traffic areas, letting people know that school segregation continues to be a serious problem to this day. They also sent messages to local lawmakers, asking them to work for integrated schools and equitable school funding.
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Stop Asian Hate |
Our pilot cohort of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders was outraged about the rise in anti-AAPI hate and wanted to take action to help. They wrote a message of solidarity for the AAPI community and created signs. They also rehearsed how to intervene if they witness hate targeted towards Asian American children.
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Message from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Graders of Kids for Racial Justice
There have been many reports of racism against Asian Americans, which need to stop now! People have been blaming Asian Americans for the coronavirus, calling it the Chinavirus. This is racist! Asians are innocent. It’s not okay, and it’s not fair, and it has to stop! If you want to help, you can donate money to organizations that are working to stop anti-Asian hate. We suggest Stop AAPI Hate (https://stopaapihate.org/) and the Asian American Resource Workshop (https://www.aarw.org/). —M., H., A., D., A., R., and L. (1st, 2nd, & 3rd graders) |
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Representation in Hollywood |
Children from our inaugural 3rd-5th Justice Squad created petitions on Change.org calling for more racial diversity in movies and tv shows. Click on the pictures below to read and sign their petitions.
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Producing more movies with characters of color!
https://www.change.org/MoviesWithPOC
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Make TV shows with more racially diverse casts of characters
http://chng.it/kDCnqtK74K
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Police Brutality |
Antiracist Activists from our middle school club created this presentation to educate their school community about the crisis of police brutality against Black people and to advocate for systemic solutions to this terrible problem. To watch the presentation, click on the image below and put in "Present" mode.
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Justice Squad was a time for my daughter to explore the often difficult history and topics of race in a social and supportive setting that also offered positive energy towards activism. I just wanted to thank you for all the work you put into Antiracist Activists. I enjoyed it, and learned a lot about activism. |
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