Posts made in March 2024

The Killing of a White Civil Rights Champion in America

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In early March 1965, a peaceful crowd of 600 people began a protest march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, to show their support for Black voting rights. Police armed with batons, pepper spray, and guns attacked the marchers on Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge in a violent assault that came to be known as “Bloody Sunday.”

After the attack, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other organizers remained determined to complete the march. Dr. King urged clergy to come to Selma and join the march to Montgomery. Hundreds of clergy from across the country heeded the call and traveled to Selma; one of them was the Reverend James Reeb, a 38-year-old white Unitarian minister from Boston.

On March 9th, Dr. King led 2,500 marchers onto the Edmund Pettus Bridge for a short prayer session. That evening, three white ministers–Orloff Miller, Clark Olsen, and James Reeb–were attacked and beaten by a group of white men opposed to their civil rights work. The Rev. Reeb was struck in the head with a club and suffered a severe skull fracture and brain damage.

Fearing that he would not be treated at the “white only” Selma Hospital, doctors at Selma’s Black Burwell Infirmary ordered the Rev. Reeb rushed to the Birmingham hospital. After a series of unfortunate events, including car trouble and confrontations with local police, the Rev. Reeb reached the hospital in Birmingham in critical condition. He died on March 11, 1965, leaving behind his wife and four children. Three white men later indicted for the Rev. Reeb’s murder were ultimately acquitted by an all-white jury.

More widely reported than the death of local Black activist Jimmie Lee Jackson a few weeks earlier, the Rev. Reeb’s death brought national attention to the voting rights struggle. The death also moved President Lyndon B. Johnson to call a special session of Congress, where he urged legislators to pass the Voting Rights Act. Congress did so, and President Johnson signed the act into law in August 1965.

For more on the history of racial injustice in America, follow Equal Justice Initiative, (EJI).

The U.S. Springs Forward for Daylight Saving 2024

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Daylight saving time (DST) is the practice of advancing clocks during warmer months so that evenings have more daylight and mornings have less. It is intended to make better use of daylight and reduce the need for artificial lighting. In the U.S., clocks will officially spring forward at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 10, 2024.

There are a number of potential benefits to DST, including:

  • Energy savings: Studies have shown that DST can lead to reduced electricity usage, as people are less likely to use artificial lighting in the evenings.
  • Reduced crime: Some studies have also suggested that DST may be associated with reduced crime rates, as there is more daylight in the evenings when people are typically out and about.
  • Improved mood and well-being: Increased exposure to sunlight has been linked to improved mood and well-being.
  • Increased opportunities for outdoor activities: With more daylight in the evenings, people have more time to enjoy outdoor activities such as walking, biking, and gardening.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to DST, including:

  • Disrupted sleep schedules: Switching to DST can disrupt sleep schedules, as people may need to adjust to going to bed and waking up earlier.
  • Increased risk of accidents: Some studies have suggested that DST may be associated with an increased risk of car accidents, as people may be more tired in the mornings when driving to work or school.
  • Negative effects on health: Some people may experience negative effects on their health, such as fatigue, irritability, and headaches, when switching to DST.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to implement DST is a complex one that must be made on a case-by-case basis. There are both potential benefits and drawbacks to DST, and the decision should be based on the specific circumstances of each country or region.

Paying Tribute to Women on International Women’s Day

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International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the achievements of women and to advocate for gender equality. It is a day to reflect on the progress that has been made towards gender equality and to call for further action.

History of International Women’s Day

The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911, and it was organized by the Socialist Party of America. The day was chosen to commemorate the 1908 strike by female garment workers in New York City. The strike was successful in winning better working conditions for women, and it helped to raise awareness of the need for gender equality.

International Women’s Day became an official holiday in the Soviet Union in 1921, and it was later adopted by other countries around the world. In 1975, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating March 8 as International Women’s Day.

Themes of International Women’s Day

Each year, International Women’s Day has a different theme. The theme for 2024 is “Investing in women: Accelerate progress.” International Women’s Day (IWD) organizers said, “When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Collectively, let’s forge a more inclusive world for women.”

How to Celebrate International Women’s Day

There are many ways to celebrate International Women’s Day. Here are a few ideas:

  • Attend a local event or rally.
  • Learn about the history of International Women’s Day.
  • Read books or articles about women’s rights.
  • Watch movies or documentaries about women’s issues.
  • Donate to an organization that supports women’s rights.
  • Talk to your friends and family about inspiring inclusion.

International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and to call for further action towards gender equality. It is a day to reflect on the progress that has been made and to renew our commitment to creating a better world for all women and girls.

 

Commemorating the Vital Roles of Women in American History

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Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is an annual celebration of the contributions women have made to society throughout history. It is a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of women, and to celebrate their achievements. Women’s History Month began as a national celebration in the United States in 1987, and has since become a global event. It is typically celebrated in March, and is a time for schools, businesses, and organizations to host events and activities that highlight the role of women in history.

There are many ways to celebrate Women’s History Month. Some popular activities include:

  • Attending events and activities: Many schools, businesses, and organizations host events and activities during Women’s History Month. These events may include lectures, panel discussions, film screenings, and art exhibits.
  • Learning about women’s history: There are many resources available to learn about women’s history. Books, articles, and websites can provide information about the lives and achievements of women from all walks of life.
  • Supporting women-owned businesses: One way to celebrate Women’s History Month is to support women-owned businesses. This can be done by shopping at women-owned stores, eating at women-owned restaurants, and using the services of women-owned businesses.
  • Volunteering for organizations that support women: There are many organizations that work to support women and girls. Volunteering for one of these organizations is a great way to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of women.

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made towards gender equality, and to recognize the work that still needs to be done. It is a time to inspire and empower women and girls everywhere.

Here are some additional stories and resources that highlight the contributions of women and significance of women’s history month: