Introduction to Library Research: Social Justice Issues: Resources: Print and Digital

From Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit" to Public Enemy's "Fight the Power" to J. Cole's "Be Free," music has played a vital role in energizing social justice movements and elevating the legal and social issues facing Black people. An examination into the legal, historical, and social contexts for the music created during ten key movements in Black history reveals the role of lyrics and rhythm. Through the lens of music, ten movements--Freedom, Lynching, the Great Migration, Civil Rights, Black Power, Black Feminism, Police Brutality, Mass Incarceration, Black Love, and Black Lives Matter--demonstrate that Black music is more than entertainment. It is a critique of social ills, a reflection of strength, a source of empowerment, a roadmap for resistance, and a proposal for change.

ABSTRACT: This study was an initial qualitative exploration to (a) capture varied experiences of racial microaggressions directed at Chinese immigrant women before and during Covid and (b) investigate different forms and levels of microaggressions based on socioeconomic status, age, and other characteristics. Racial microaggressions were examined by interviewing 12 foreign-born, Chinese immigrant women aged 23 to 80 years old, with most of the participants identified as middle class or above. Building upon previous scholarship on racial and gendered microaggressions, an analytical framework was developed using 12 major themes to identify and interpret discriminatory behaviors. Our main findings suggest that the research sample encountered more blatant hate incidents and expressed heightened concern over their physical safety in the post-Covid period. Young women, compared to their older counterparts, were more inclined to report microaggression episodes and distinguish more subtle forms of discrimination. These findings could serve as preliminary evidence for future research.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have been a cornerstone of workplace culture for many organizations, developed in response to historic and ongoing patterns of exclusion, and have been linked to better profits and improved work environments. But under the current administration, these programs are facing increased legal and political scrutiny. Recent executive orders, federal guidance, and high-profile lawsuits have significantly altered the landscape for DEI, especially for companies that rely on federal funding or government contracts. While most DEI programs remain legal, employers must now be more cautious than ever about how they structure and communicate their inclusion efforts. A misstep in this evolving environment can trigger not just reputational damage, but also serious legal consequences.

House Bill 1312, known as the Kelly Loving Act, updates anti-discrimination laws in order to enshrine protections for Colorado transgender people, including ensuring they are called by their chosen name and affirming changes to marriage licenses and birth certificates. The bill now sits on Democratic Gov. Jared Polis's desk. He has not indicated whether he will sign the legislation. The bill will impact schools in a few ways. It expands the definition of discrimination to include intentionally calling a person by a name they no longer use, which will affect school bullying policies. The bill also requires schools to allow all students to wear any clothing that's allowed by a school dress code.
Published: Chalkbeat, May 8 2025