Activism

John Lewis’ Moving Graphic Novel Brings the Civil Rights Struggle to a New Generation

In the tradition of “Maus” and “Persepolis,” “March” tells the story of young African Americans who, like its author, rose up from the Jim Crow South to assert their human rights.

Valerie Schloredt | Mar 7, 2014

This Is What Happened When Scholastic Tried to Bring Pro-Coal Propaganda to School

“The United States of Energy” was a colorful series of lessons on the advantages of coal, aimed at 4th-graders—and sponsored by Big Coal. Here’s how educators and activists worked together to get it out of classrooms.

Bill Bigelow | Mar 7, 2014

Native rights

Teenage Defender of First Nations Rights Becomes Literal Superhero

Shannen Koostachin, a teenage activist who died before ever seeing the results of her work, has inspired a new hero in the DC Universe.

Leigh Finke | Mar 6, 2014

A Social Justice Tour of Oscar Winners Through the Decades

The upcoming Academy Awards will recognize some of 2013’s best social justice-themed films. Here are some of our favorite past winners.

Leigh Finke | Mar 1, 2014

A section from Massacre of the Innocents by Dareece Walker.

From Trayvon Martin to Jordan Davis: Can Art Provide Justice When Courts Fail?

"Having not been a judge or a witness who could've helped communicate what Michael Dunn did, my art is the only way I can give Jordan Davis justice."

Carla Murphy | Feb 22, 2014

Architect's rendering of Quixote Village. Image courtesy of Panza.

Tiny Houses for the Homeless: An Affordable Solution Catches On

A growing number of towns and cities have found a practical solution to homelessness through the construction of tiny-house villages—and housing officials are taking notice.

Erika Lundahl | Feb 21, 2014

Supporters of the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice in Washington

How the Fight Against Alabama’s Anti-Immigrant Law Transformed a Community

Gwendolyn Ferreti Manjarrez is an organizer with the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice. Here, she speaks about the role of grassroots groups in the fight to roll back HB 56.

Levana Saxon | Feb 18, 2014

Pete Seeger's wall of photos. Photo by Michael Bowman.

In Pete Seeger’s Letters, A Voice for Justice Sings On

In the midst of Seeger's countless documents was one that stood out. The editor who found it reflects on coming back to that letter today.

Sam Rosenthal | Feb 8, 2014

Renewable energy

Darth Vader’s Death Star Created Jobs, Too! New Video Pokes Fun at Keystone Pipeline Claims

The public comment period for the Keystone XL pipeline opened on Wednesday. This video is the comment from California-based climate group Movement Generation.

Feb 8, 2014

“So My Daughter Won’t Have To”: Why Kelly Sue DeConnick Fights to Make Women Welcome in Comics

Kelly Sue DeConnick is a woman author working in the comic book industry, who's had successful titles in both mainstream and independent forms. In this Q&A, she talks about her feminism, creativity, and her love for old-school "exploitation" movies.

Leigh Finke | Jan 30, 2014

Growing Concern Over Japan’s Dolphin Hunt Leads to Widespread Outcry

The dolphin massacre depicted in the Oscar-winning film The Cove took place again this year. But the reaction to it shows a changing public mindset toward the rights of sea mammals.

Andy Butter | Jan 30, 2014

Photo Essay: Pete Seeger’s Life on the Hudson

In December 2007, YES! editor-in-chief Sarah van Gelder interviewed Pete Seeger in his home in Beacon, New York. Seeger showed Sarah his family photo albums, his DIY solar-powered car, and, of course, a whole wall filled with banjos.

Sarah van Gelder | Jan 29, 2014

“We Shall Overcome”: Democracy Now! Remembers Folk Icon Pete Seeger

Folksinger and lifelong activist Pete Seeger passed away on Jan. 27. He was a constant presence in the labor and antiwar movements, and an innovator in the use of music to create solidarity and social change. In this video, Democracy Now! commemorates Seeger's life and work.

Jan 29, 2014

Global Power Shift conference. Photo by Shadia Fayne Wood / Project Survival Media.

Why the Smartphone Became the Lightsaber of the Environmental Justice Movement

From West Virginia to the Gulf Coast, residents of communities facing environmental problems are discovering that visual storytelling brings results. Their number-one tool is the humble smartphone.

Kristin Moe | Jan 25, 2014

Keone Kealoha at Malama Kaua'i. Photo by James Trimarco.

Sustainable food and farming

Paradise Farmed: Inside Kaua’i’s Local Food Movement

The issue of local food is more urgent when you're more than 2,400 miles away from the nearest continent.

James Trimarco | Jan 24, 2014

Anti corruption rally in India. Photo by Ishan Khosla.

India’s Own “Occupy”: How a New Political Party is Battling Corruption—and Winning

A few months ago, India's Aam Aadmi Party was a curiosity; now, it’s a call for pro-democracy movements elsewhere to step up their game.

Nathan Schneider | Jan 23, 2014

Beyond Classic Disney: 5 Great Animated Kids’ Films Without the Racial Stereotypes

Many of the Disney classics contain outdated images of racial and gender groups. Luckily, recent animated masterpieces provide alternatives without sacrificing anything in the way of imagination.

Leigh Finke | Jan 11, 2014