To commerate Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid in South Africa, a collection of letters written during his imprisonment was recently published. Critic Tim Adams shares what he discovered about the already well-known leader.
Category Archives: The Struggle for Freedom
American slavery: Separating fact from myth
A professor tackles some of the most enduring misconceptions Americans hold about the institution of slavery.
Activist Ida B. Wells Gets Pulitzer Prize 137 Years After Refusing to Exit ‘Whites Only’ Train
Born a year before emancipation, journalist Ida B. Wells is getting some overdue recognition for her brave and powerful reporting on injustice.
China transferred detained Uighurs to factories used by global brands
The minority Uighurs in China face mistreatment, re-education, and forced labor. Learn what some big companies have to say about their role.
Why a Free Media Means a Free Society
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees that Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of the press. That essential freedom provides a powerful check to protect our democracy.
Hong Kong Protesters Return to Streets as New Year Begins
Read this article concerning Hong Kong’s protest for freedom.
Racial Bias in Medicine Leads to Worse Care for Minorities
The struggle for full equality doesn’t just show up in history books—it’s happening in hospitals every day.
New Voting Restrictions in America
Explore the maps and links on this page to see how fair access to the ballot box is across the United States.
Few Artifacts of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Still Exist. These Iron Blocks Help Tell That Gut-Wrenching Story
Divers examining a shipwreck off the southern coast of Africa recovered remnants that bring the human experience of slavery into sharp focus.
The Black Student Loan Crisis That Led Robert Smith To Pay Off HBCU Morehouse Grads’ Debt
Read about one billionaire’s response to the student loan debt problems facing the country and how African American graduates are disproportionately affected.
Cherokee Nation Says It Is Owed a Representative in Congress
Listen to this radio report to learn about the Cherokee Nation’s bid to claim a U.S. Congress delegate seat.
20 Historic Moments in the Fight for LGBTQ Rights
Read about some famous historical moments and their impact on policies today regarding the struggle for LGBTQ rights.
KidsRights Index
Learn which countries do a good (and not-so-good) job of protecting the rights of children. Explore the links to learn more about how each country’s score is tabulated.
Brother Outsider
Bayard Rustin was the mastermind behind the March on Washington. Watch the trailer for this PBS documentary and learn about the honors belatedly conferred on this little-known hero of the civil rights movement.
U.S. Soccer President ‘surprised’ by women’s team’s gender discrimination suit
Along with opportunities for women excel in athletics comes the struggle to be paid fairly. Learn about the discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team, who are paid far less than their male counterparts despite being much more successful on the world stage.
Australia targets big business with world’s 2nd anti-slavery law
A 2018 law requires that companies in Australia disclose how they prevent modern-day slavery, but some citizens question its effectiveness.
How 19th-Century Women Used Department Stores to Gain Their Freedom
In the 1870s, the creation of deparatment stores gave women a socially acceptably way to leave the home, both as shoppers and as part of the workforce.
Robert Kraft teams with Jay-Z, Meek Mill in starting criminal justice reform organization
Read about an orgaization dedicated to reforming the criminal justice system, which it argues jails too many people.
Speech on Campus
In recent years, debate over what is considered free speech on college campus has increased. This Q&A from the American Civil Liberties Union answers what kind of speech is and is not protected by the U.S. Constitution.
Widow of Murdered Civil Rights Leader Medgar Evers Moves Beyond Hatred
In 1963, civil-rights activist Medgar Evers was murdered in his driveway by a white supremacist. Evers’s widow, Myrlie Evers-Williams, has carried on his legacy and spoke recently about the civil rights movement and her hopes for the future.