Our Favorite Books & Movies
When sharing our favorite books and movies with you in the category of civil rights, we wanted to focus on informing as well as inspiring!
There is something here for everyone; whether it's a documentary, award – winning film, non–fiction historical book, a biography, or just a fun read. It's important for us to highlight titles that feature a strong woman lead, represent real women and their stories, or share an experience from a person of color.
Focusing on civil rights, we have chosen titles that explore the diversity that makes our world so awesome!
Although some of these may not feature women, they all have important messages to provoke thought and action. In addition, some titles might make you angry, sad, or just generally fired up about some of America’s history. That’s okay! We want you to activate. These should spark a conversation with a friend, family member, neighbor, or community member. Are you ready to feel inspired? Now It’s Your Turn. Share Your Favorites!
BOOKS
Movies
The Good Girls Revolt: How the Women of Newsweek Sued their Bosses and Changed the Workplace
The Unfinished Revolution: Voices from the Global Fight for Women's Rights
You can find more great titles, especially for kids, teens and families at Common Sense Media.
Know More, Get Involved:
According to the Huffington Post, 76 percent of people who volunteered in the last twelve months said that volunteering has made them feel healthier. 94 percent of people who volunteered in the last twelve months said that volunteering improved their mood. 78 percent of them said that volunteering lowered their stress levels; and 96 percent reported that volunteering enriched their sense of purpose in life.
We, here at WMM want to inspire you to become involved in volunteer work that makes you feel like your best self. The CRC is dedicated to highlighting your volunteering strengths with tasks that help you feel empowered. WE WANT YOU! We want you to join our committee of powerful and passionate humans.
Not sure where to start? Head over to our calendar to find an event that inspires you, and bring a neighbor or friend; or sit down with your sister, mom, grandma, cat, or bestie and watch one of our featured movies! There is always an opportunity for action here at WMM and within the CRC, however small or large you wish your action to be; your voice will be heard, and you WILL make a difference. Come be a part of our team by e-mailing us here. #Civil Rights
Featured Editorial
What I want the police, mayor, city council and world at large to hear is that thousands protested what happened. We want change. I want them to hear the sadness and reverence in Amazing Grace and find the humanity to make that change.
When is the last time you used your driver’s license as an ID? For me, it was when I forgot my library card but wanted to check out the books that I had reserved. For you, perhaps it was when you checked in for a medical appointment, entered your child’s school or ordered a drink in a restaurant.
Approximately 82,000 residents of Minnesota are eligible for a driver’s license or state ID, but cannot get one because they are undocumented immigrants. Many have been living here for decades and were able to obtain a driver’s license until Governor Pawlenty changed the law in 2003. Imagine having your driving privileges and access to an ID stripped away. For undocumented immigrants, having access to a Driver’s License or State ID is both a matter of convenience and access and dignity to move around the state.
Earlier this year, Women's March National faced intense criticism because one of the leaders publicly exalted Louis Farrakhan. The national group responded by stating “Minister Farrakhan’s statements about Jewish, queer, and trans people are not aligned with the Women’s March Unity Principles.” They continued by stating “The world Women’s March seeks to build is one free from anti-Semitism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, and all forms of social violence.”
We in Minnesota also responded in a statement in March 2018 by saying “we unequivocally denounce Louis Farrakhan's recent anti-Semitic and homophobic statements. Anti-Semitism, misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, racism and white supremacy are and always will be indefensible.” We stand by that statement.
Now is the time to take action to ensure that we protect our rights and once again live in a country we are proud of. If not now - when? This is why we marched. In addition to the requests to participate, we will be sending out motivational videos and educational pieces about the election process called “Election Central”.
Maybe you’ve heard about Women’s Equality Day, and even celebrated in previous years; but do you know the true significance of this day?
On August 26th, we are commemorating women’s history, specifically the passage of the 19th Amendment.
Two years ago, Jamar Clark and Philando Castile were killed by police. Justine Damond was killed last year. Thurman Blevins, Jr. was killed just last month. This is unacceptable. These were human beings. Our neighbors.
The pressure for and against quickly confirming Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the vacant U.S. Supreme Court is ramping up in the U.S. Senate.
Now is the time for citizens to contact senators, supporting careful consideration rather than haste on this nomination.
In the coming days, Women’s March Minnesota will send an open letter to Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith on behalf of the 110,000 Minnesotans who marched January 21st 2017, urging our Senators to vote NO on any nominee who does not believe the United States Constitution incorporates a right to privacy and will not commit to publicly stating that Roe v. Wade is settled law.
Last week, we saw The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) narrowly vote to strip away rights and trample on progressive values; specifically women’s rights, immigrant rights, and workers’ rights. In the midst of all this, Justice Anthony Kennedy of the U.S. Supreme Court announced his retirement, effective July 31st. Many of us felt shell-shocked knowing what this means for the future of our country.
Featured Call To Action
Great news! The bill to address the silent epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, children and men (SF515) will be heard by the Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee this Tuesday (4/2), 1:00 p.m., 1100 Senate Bldg, 95 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55155.
The African American Family Preservation Act (HF342/SF730), is a bill that addresses racial disparities in the MN child protection process. Here’s how you can help it become law.
Last week, one of the two ERA bills (HF13 - to establish gender equality under the law, and propose a constitutional amendment) passed in the House. Hooray!!!!
This is the year to turn back the clock. Before Governor Pawlenty changed the rule in 2003, Minnesota residents didn’t need to be US citizens in order to obtain a driver’s license.
Women’s March MN and the Freedom To Drive MN Coalition wants to return the privilege of a driver’s license to eligible Minnesotans. The bill is moving quickly as it is important to Minnesotans, such as members of law enforcement, business owners and leaders of faith communities. Each hearing has been packed with supporters.
HF40/SF856 is a bill to restore the vote to 52,000 Minnesotans (11,000 women) (who’ve been convicted of a felony) either upon their release from prison, or when they’re on probation, living in the community. It also requires notifying people when their right to vote has been restored. Many groups are supporting this bill - law enforcement, correctional offices, attorneys, civil rights groups, and it has 35 sponsors in the House.
Here’s how you can show your support too!
The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) bills - HF13, SF200 and HF71, SF280 - are doing well in the MN House but need a hearing in the Senate.
HF13/SF200 puts an ERA into the Minnesota Constitution. HF71/SF280 resolves that the deadline in the Federal ERA be removed and that ratification of the ERA in the US Constitution advances.
HF1500 is one of Women’s March Minnesota’s 2019 legislative priorities. This bill is about improving public safety, bolstering economic development, and building stronger families and communities for EVERYONE
Did you know that approximately 82,000 residents of Minnesota are eligible for a driver’s license or state ID, but cannot get one because they are undocumented immigrants. Many have been living here for decades and were able to obtain a driver’s license, until Governor Pawlenty changed the law in 2003. Imagine having your driving privileges and access to an ID stripped away. For undocumented immigrants, having access to a Driver’s License or State ID is both a matter of convenience, access and dignity to move around the state.
There is a lot of support for this bill and it gets its second hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 9.45 a.m. in the Government Operations Committee, Basement Hearing Rm, State Office Building, St.Paul (map). Please attend the hearing if you can. And, some other actions you can take.
HF 40 will have its first hearing at 9.45am next Wednesday, February 13th, in the House Elections Committee. See details of the hearing here. Please attend the hearing if you can, to show your support for this important bill. Restore the Vote will be there with free T-shirts for supporters of the bill to wear, to send a strong message to our representatives.
Super fun ERA MN event on Sat 2/2 at the Hook and Ladder! The news is that the senate bills need your help!
Please contact your MN senator and urge them a) to support SF200 and SF208, b) to keep them clean with NO amendments and c) ask them to demand a hearing for the bills asap.
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