Category Archives: justice

Together You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation

Posted on July 30, 2020 by jyourist

This was printed in the Opinion Column of the New York Times today, July 30, 2020. Mr. Lewis, the civil rights leader who died on July 17, wrote this essay shortly before his death, to be published upon the day … Continue reading →

Posted in activism, African-Americans, civil rights, democracy, justice, voting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

In the Bardo

Posted on July 18, 2020 by jyourist

We are all grieving at the passing of John Lewis. What a remarkable man, filled with integrity, purpose, courage, and grit. He spent a lifetime in the fight for justice and civil rights under the most challenging of circumstances. He … Continue reading →

Posted in activism, African-Americans, anti-racism, civil rights, Civil War, justice, racism | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Juneteenth—Freedom, Jubilee, Liberation Day

Posted on June 19, 2020 by jyourist

Juneteenth is a day to commemorate freedom from chattel slavery in this country, but also a reminder for white people to continue to grapple with their white privilege and work toward eliminating the racial oppression alive and well in the … Continue reading →

Posted in activism, African-Americans, civil rights, Civil War, freedom, justice, race, social justice | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“A Riot is the Language of the Unheard”

Posted on May 30, 2020 by jyourist

…Certain conditions continue to exist in our society, which must be condemned as vigorously as we condemn riots. But in the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard. And what is it that America has failed to … Continue reading →

Posted in activism, equity, justice, politics, social justice | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Exposure

Posted on April 6, 2020 by jyourist

Since I retired, I have volunteered for Reading Between the Lines, an organization that leads discussion groups with the recently released from prison as well as people serving the last year or so of their sentences. These discussions are grounded … Continue reading →

Posted in activism, change, justice, prison | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Government of the people, by the people, for the people

Posted on July 24, 2016 by jyourist

I couldn’t really watch any of the Republican Convention. The whole affair made me sick to my stomach. I read postings and articles about it in social media including newspapers and listened to some coverage as well. I have to … Continue reading →

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Memorial Day created by former slaves

Posted on May 30, 2016 by jyourist

Though Memorial Day was first formally declared in 1868 by General Logan, in charge of the GAR—an organization of Civil War vets, in order to decorate the graves of those who died in the Civil War, there are many cities … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil War, democracy, equity, Holidays, justice, race | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Malcom X…

Posted on May 19, 2016 by jyourist

…would be 91 today.

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“Vivas To Those Who Have Failed: The Paterson Silk Strike, 1913” by Martin Espada

Posted on January 20, 2016 by jyourist

Vivas to those who have fail’d!                                                                                                      And to those whose war-vessels sank in the sea!                                                                      And to those themselves who sank in the sea!                                                                            And to all generals that lost engagements, and all overcome heroes!                                 And the numberless unknown heroes … Continue reading →

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“The Three Evils” address delivered by Martin Luther King 8/31/1967

Posted on January 19, 2016 by jyourist

“The Three Evils,” Delivered at the National Conference on New Politics August 31, 1967,  Chicago, Il Some excerpts: What they [Democrats and Republicans] truly advocate is Socialism for the rich and Capitalism for the poor. [W]e are now experiencing the coming … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, justice, race | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments