Peter Russo Addresses Value Of Pursuing Social Justice Movements

History is replete with social justice movements, initiated by groups of people, who, with no other alternative, took matters into their own hands, seeking to establish a fair treatment and an impartial share of social, environmental and economic benefits.

Social movements surface from a committed minority of citizens who work together to shape a larger presence of public consciousness about specific injustices while also working for stable political change.

These movements have advanced moral and political causes, such as gender, racial and class inequality, with a tremendous force and consistency.

Everyone has a voice, and all progressive social movements operate under the belief that the people do not have to wait for change to occur; they themselves can act as the catalysts and force it.

Peter Russo is a teacher at Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and, in better illustrating the value of joining or pursuing social justice movements, has presented some of the monumental, successful movements that altered the world's landscape and how they have proven the value of social justice movements.

Women's Right To Vote

Susan B. Anthony joined the American women's suffrage movement in 1852, traveling across the United States to lecture and canvass for the vote, despite opposition and abuse. Additionally, she also campaigned for a woman's right to possess her own property, retain her workplace earnings and advocated for women's labor organizations. Commemorated on the U.S. dollar coin, Anthony's tenacious work gave women the right to vote, beginning on August 18, 1920.

If not for the courageous work of Susan Anthony, the right for women to vote might not have occurred until much later and drastically changed the history of America.

Civil Rights Movement

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the most famous, celebrated civil rights activists in the U.S., prompted a nonviolent movement for swift change in the 1950s and early 1960s. Protests, grassroots organizing and civil disobedience were at the core of his requests, methods that would make violent activism unnecessary in his eyes. His legacy, to this day, is one of massive inspiration and pride.

Internal Resistance Against Apartheid

Nelson Mandela was relentless in his fight to oppose South Africa's Apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation. Originally imprisoned for exiting the country without a permit and urging people to strike, he was later convicted of four counts of sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. Sentenced to life in prison, Mandela ultimately spent 27 years in confinement. A speech, given by Mandela during the Rivonia Trial on April 20, 1964, while seemingly facing the death penalty, resonates emphatically: “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

LGBT Rights Movements

Brenda Howard, a bisexual and polyamorous woman from New York City, was responsible for the first pride parade in 1970. She lobbied successfully for gay rights in New York City, chairing the Gay Activists Alliance, and popularized the term 'pride' in LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) gatherings.

Harvey Milk became the first openly gay elected official in California's history, as he cemented his position within the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Whilst he was planning his vision, his call for support from the gay political sphere was harshly rejected; however, he soon received backing from members of the LGBT community because they wanted a political representative who would take a stand against the harassment and discrimination they constantly encountered. Elected as the supervisor in 1977, Milk's breakthrough into office was an immensely admirable achievement.

The Value of Social Justice Movements

Peter Russo explains that social justice movements have been a thing for centuries at this point and while there are many causes to support it is important to understand the value of the movements. As a teacher, Peter Russo stresses the importance of educating yourself and improving your own habits to support these movements. Not only will you be helping to contribute to a good cause that will improve the lives of members of the global community, but you will also be able to improve yourself as a person.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or management of EconoTimes.