In 2010, the UN recognized “the right to safe and clean drinking water and sanitation as a human right that is essential for the full enjoyment of life and all human rights.” The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. www.Worldwaterday.org asks how is… [Read More]
Judith T. Lester Archives
March awareness days-Week 2: Environmental Awareness Day: Global Recycling Day celebrated March 18, 2021
March 18, 2021
Environmental observances and world day campaigns are a great way to raise awareness for a cause that is meaningful to you, your organization or your family. Observances during Environmental Awareness Days can include recycling, World Ozone Day that encourages awareness for the reduction of emissions; or World Water Day that brings awareness to water conservation… [Read More]
March Awareness Days : Week 1: International Women’s Day
March 11, 2021
#ChooseToChallenge • Celebrated March 8, 2021 On January 20, 2021, history was made in the United States when the first woman and first woman of color was sworn in as the Vice President of the United States of America. In honor of our first female Vice President, we will begin this month’s celebration of awareness… [Read More]
Milwaukee’s African American Trailblazers (Week 2)
February 18, 2021
African Americans have been involved in civil rights, politics, journalism, religion, land resources, public service, medicine, academia, law, science, economics, music, arts, etc. While African Americans are deeply entrenched in the history of our country, often they don’t get the recognition they deserve. This month, I am recognizing several African American men and women, past… [Read More]
Milwaukee’s African American Trailblazers (Week 1)
February 11, 2021
This month, in honor of Black History Month, I will be highlighting several African- American trailblazers. These leaders, past and present, were and continue to be strong members of our community. Their work is an example of the history that we turn to as inspiration during Black History Month. This list this month is not… [Read More]
Social justice issues in America: Food insecurity
February 4, 2021
Hunger and food insecurity in communities across America is a problem most people are aware exists but some have never experienced it. Food insecurity is defined as a household’s inability to provide enough food for every person to live an active, healthy life. According to Feeding America, 1 of 9 people struggle with hunger.(1) Fighting… [Read More]
Social justice issues in America: Gun violence
January 28, 2021
The Brady United, an organization inspired by Jim and Sarah Brady that led to President Clinton signing the Brady Bill into law, notes that gun violence is a racial justice issue. Brady United notes that Black Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to die from gun violence and 14 times more likely than… [Read More]
Social justice issues in America: Prison reform
January 21, 2021
Prison reform is a movement to improve conditions inside prisons, the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and to reduce recidivism and strengthen public safety. Last week, statistics were given regarding the number of persons of color incarcerated in America. To end mass incarceration, reform is needed. Advocates of prison reform realize there is unfairness… [Read More]
Social justice issues in America: Racial profiling and economic inequity
January 7, 2021As we begin a new year, this column will turn its focus to social justice issues in America as it is recognized there are still some very serious social justice issues that must be addressed. Social justice issues can range from issues involving one’s race to inequality in education, healthcare and economic injustice, etc. Since… [Read More]
Social justice issues in America: Mass incarceration
January 14, 2021A social justice issue that is extremely troubling and continues to be a challenge for African-Americans and people of color in the 21st century is mass incarceration. Michelle Alexander, author of “The New Jim Crow,” (1) in an interview with Frontline (2) defined mass incarceration as: “a massive system of racial and social control. It… [Read More]