Meet the Librarian Battling Book Bans
Librarian Amanda Jones refused to stay silent in the face of vicious attacks by a right-wing book-banning campaign. She tells all in a new book.
Social Justice
We’re All Responsible for Protecting Public Libraries
In this excerpt from “That Librarian,” Amanda Jones offers a blueprint to battle book censorship in public libraries.
Murmurations: The Wisdom Behind Prison Walls
A note from adrienne maree brown: Gilda Sheppard directed a film called Since I Been Down, in which Kimonti Carter was a protagonist as a transformed man leading his community
Voters Behind Bars
Incarcerated Americans aren’t allowed to vote. Those with felonies also face barriers. Here’s what that means for democracy.
Who’s Helping Asylum Seekers?
While politicians on both sides of the aisle embrace “tough on immigration” policies, asylum seekers hoping to enter the U.S. are turning to grassroots organizations for information, safety, and dignity
Protecting Black Pregnant People’s Health—and Data
Birth workers serving Black pregnant people maintain the holistic methods—and data privacy—that distinguish doula care from the medical-industrial complex.
Environmental Justice as Birthright
On Aug. 8, 2023, 13-year-old Kaliko was getting ready for her hula class at her mother’s house in West Maui. The power was out, and she heard there was a
What’s Next for Bangladesh’s Student-Led Revolution?
A Bangladesh-born labor explores the South Asian nation’s prospects to transition to a stable democracy now that the dust has settled from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.
How Black Women Can Protect Their Peace This Election Cycle
In the months prior to Vice President Kamala Harris’ nomination to the Democratic presidential ticket, I felt a lingering fear in my body about what it would mean for Black
What Is Progress 2025?
In response to Project 2025’s regressive political agenda, YES! has launched this hub for the big ideas—and grassroots methods—that offer solutions for democracy.
In Defense of the Herring People
Efforts to decolonize the herring roe harvest in Alaska highlight the contrast between tribal subsistence practices and the Department of Fish and Game’s management strategy.
Rewriting Fantasy Tropes on Race and Economy
Young adult author Jordan Ifueko has created new worlds with her best-selling series Raybearer, centering Black characters and workers.
We Don’t Need Misogynoir to Critique Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris can and should be critiqued for her political résumé—but criticism rooted in misogynoir should have no place in political discourse.
Torture Inside a Secret Israeli Concentration Camp
Video now circulating in Israeli media corroborates allegations from Palestinian detainees that Israeli agents at Sde Teiman detention center rape and torture prisoners.
Listen to the Lessons of Appalachia
In this excerpt from “Beginning Again,” Nikki Giovanni offers an ode to the great people who call Appalachia home.
Ballroom Is Still About Black Queer Joy
More than 130 years after the first ball was held, ballroom continues to be an essential place for Black and Brown LGBTQ people to find care, connection, and chosen family.
Making Equity Part of the Equation in Math Education
Most Americans report they don’t know enough math to make routine financial decisions.
USDA Will Compensate Black Farmers for Discrimination
The National Black Farmers Association just won a historic $2.2 billion in reparations from the U.S. government.
Setting a Black Economic Agenda
After conducting the largest-ever survey of Black Americans, Black to the Future has released a detailed Black economic agenda.
Lessons from Ferguson, 10 Years Later
The Ferguson uprising ignited a national reckoning about racist policing. Missouri State Sen. Brian Williams, who grew up in Ferguson, reflects on the progress made and challenges remaining.
The Communal Kitchens Fighting Famine in Sudan
Most international aid groups evacuated Khartoum when the fighting began and haven’t returned, so locals are finding ways to feed one another.
Youth Take J.D. Vance to Task on Climate
Community organizers with the Sunrise Movement explain why they protested outside the GOP Vice Presidential hopeful’s office.
Sonya Massey Should Still Be Alive, Say Activists
Sonya Massey's killing is a reminder that police do not keep Black women, nor Black disabled people, safe, says activist Cat Brooks.
The Complexity of Harris’ Historic Candidacy
Women of color want demographic and political representation, just as wealthy white men have had for generations.
What’s in a Name? For Abortion Providers, Quite a Bit.
Even before abortion became illegal in 14 states, some reproductive health care clinics were rebranding to better reflect the broad spectrum of gender-inclusive care they provide.
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