Showing titles in Social Activists

James Weldon Johnson advanced further than anyone would have expected him to, and worked for justice, freedom, and equality in everything he said or did. Here's his story.

Strong, democratic leadership can be found around the world. This article describes several world leaders' struggles and achievements.

Before Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the judge, she was a young Jewish girl growing up in Brooklyn, inspired by books, past female trailblazers, and her mother to make the world a better, more just place to be. So even when people turned her away—for being a girl and for being Jewish—she never stopped fighting for equal treatment for everyone by pushing back against unjust laws and the beliefs around them.

Jacob Riis was determined to improve the living conditions of the poor—to fill their dark, ramshackle places with sunlight and soft, green grass. Places where children could play. After immigrating to New York City and working as a news reporter, Jacob was deeply affected by the poverty surrounding him, especially in the tenements.

Magnificent Kids! showcases 23 incredible young people who are making the world a better place for humanity, animals and the planet. The book contains ideas, inspiration and tools for anybody to get started with their own world-changing project.

Opal Lee grew up as a Black girl in Texas at a time when Black and white people were kept separate and Black people had fewer opportunities than white people did. She knew that this wasn’t right, and she grew up to be a teacher and a community leader, determined to help create a better future for all people. A big part of her work and life was making Juneteenth a national holiday to mark the end of enslavement for Black Americans. She loved this day as both a celebration and as a way of teaching about the past.

La activista social y líder de los derechos humanos Coretta Scott King inspiró a muchas personas alrededor del mundo con su valentía al promover un cambio. Incluso antes de conocer a su esposo, el reverendo Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta era una líder para su comunidad y continuó siéndolo junto a él y después que fue asesinado. Cantante y escritora, su legado es fundamental para los afroamericanos, las mujeres, y muchos otros hoy y en las generaciones futuras.

Starting in the 1960s, John Lewis began his activism alongside civil rights legend and good friend Martin Luther King Jr. He participated in many now-historic events, including the 1963 March of Washington, the Freedom Rides, and the Selma to Montgomery marches across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. John continued his impactful career when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1986. He went on to serve seventeen terms until his death in 2020.

Join us on a journey through the life of Rosa Parks, the woman who changed history with a single act of courage. From her childhood in Alabama to her role as a leader in the civil rights movement, Rosa Parks' story is one of determination, resilience, and a deep commitment to justice. Along the way, you'll learn about the segregation laws of the time, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the impact of the civil rights movement on the world we live in today.

John Comenius: The Bohemian Educator Who Changed the World invites listeners to explore the rich heritage of the Czech Republic and learn about the remarkable figures who have left an indelible mark on history. Delve into the transformative life of John Amos Comenius, whose legacy continues to inspire educators and learners around the globe. Discover how Comenius' ideas on identity, imagination, and the human condition influenced his approach to education, leaving an indelible mark on the field and shaping the minds of countless individuals.

Battling Bella Abzug was born bellowing! From her childhood in the Bronx to her years as a lawyer, activist, wife, mother, and congresswoman, Bella battled for justice and fairness for everyone. Inspired by her Jewish upbringing and wholehearted belief in tikkun olam—repairing the world—she spoke her truth everywhere she went. Even when it wasn’t appreciated, Bella just kept on battling! Sarah Aronson spotlights this unique and outspoken trailblazer who helped kickstart the modern women’s movement—with humor and passion—always in one of her trademark wide-brimmed hats.

They moved from Puerto Rico to New York City as children and grew up to become leaders in their Bronx community. Evelina, an activist for social causes, founded United Bronx Parents. Lillian became a librarian and administrator who fought for Spanish and bilingual books and Spanish-speaking library staff. Elba worked closely with Evelina and became an ambassador and advocate for the arts.

Billie Jean King grew up in a family of athletes. It was no surprise when she quickly began to excel at tennis. She became the top female singles player in the world and won 129 career singles titles, including Wimbledon and the US Open. Beyond being an excellent athlete, Billie Jean King used her voice to stand up for other women playing tennis who were not paid nearly as much as male players. In 1973, Billie Jean captured the world's attention when she beat Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes," proving women were just as good at tennis as men.

Pura Belpré se mudó de Puerto Rico a la ciudad de Nueva York y se hizo bibliotecaria en un momento en que las bibliotecas estaban llenas de sólo libros en inglés. Pero ella sabía que a las personas hispanohablantes también les encantaría poder ir a las bibliotecas, por lo que persistió en implementar programas y libros bilingües en las bibliotecas de toda la ciudad. Ella también escribía sus propias historias y tradujo cuentos puertorriqueños al inglés para que pudieran llegar a un público más amplio.

At 85, Mavis Staples is still singing in front of large audiences and sharing her message of love, faith, and justice. She’s been performing since age eight as part of her family’s gospel group The Staple Singers, and has become one of America’s most admired musicians, with multiple Grammys, a Kennedy Center Honor, and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But Mavis has been more than a thrilling singer; she has also stood alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., at numerous Civil Rights protests where her voice was a rallying cry to the country.

Whenever young Carol sang along to her family’s music, her heart felt light and full of joy. Learning from her great-grandfather, Moshum, Carol listened closely to the drums’ heartbeat until one day, Moshum made her a drum of her very own.

How is Serena Williams working for schools? How does Anthony Rizzo help kids with cancer? How is Elon Musk increasing the use of alternative energy? In the Spotlight introduces early listeners to the activists and celebrities making an impact in today’s world. Features include tips for teachers and parents, a table of contents, and an index.

Il 4 aprile 1968 un colpo di fucile uccise Martin Luther King. Aveva 39 anni, quasi tutti spesi nella lotta contro la discriminazione razziale: una guerra senza armi, di cui Martin è ancora oggi un simbolo. Il ritmo della poesia e la forza delle illustrazioni fanno rivivere, in questo libro, la sua adolescenza, i soprusi di cui fu vittima e spettatore, la sua volontà di combattere, in modo pacifico ma senza cedere di un passo, per i diritti dei neri, la fede, i dubbi, i sacrifici, gli uomini e le donne che hanno creduto nel suo messaggio e combattuto con lui.

You probably know that the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case was an important part of ending segregation in schools. But it wasn’t the only one. In 1947, Mendez v. Westminster helped end segregation in California’s schools. With key biographical information and related historical events, this Capstone Captivate book will uncover Mendez’s story and show how it connects to Brown v. Board of Education.

Most people have heard about Rosa Parks’s brave actions that led to the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955. But there were other Black women who challenged segregation in transportation. Three years earlier, Sarah Keys Evans—a veteran—refused to give up her seat on a bus traveling through the South.