Learning For Justice stands as a vital community education initiative from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). This program is dedicated to fostering crucial dialogue, promoting continuous learning, encouraging thoughtful reflection, and inspiring meaningful action, particularly among those communities most impacted by injustice in the Southern United States.
Rooted in the SPLC’s core mission, Learning for Justice acts as a catalyst for achieving racial justice, not only in the South but across the nation. It works collaboratively with diverse communities to dismantle the structures of white supremacy, strengthen interconnected social movements, and champion the fundamental human rights of every individual. By prioritizing civic and political education accessible to all, Learning for Justice actively supports the SPLC’s broader efforts to build power and enhance the capacity for a truly multiracial and inclusive democracy.
The ongoing pursuit of racial justice and equity in the U.S. has unfortunately been met with significant political backlash. This has manifested in the rise of anti-inclusive legislation, often originating in the South and increasingly spreading to various state legislatures, education boards, and local school districts nationwide. This restrictive agenda directly limits open discussions about the lived experiences of Black and Brown children, their families, and their communities. Learning for Justice directly addresses this challenge, bolstering the SPLC’s overarching justice mission by actively countering attempts to marginalize the education of Black and Brown children and diminish the importance of their communities as critical sites of learning and growth.
Community Justice Sites: Education for Local Empowerment
At the heart of Learning for Justice’s community education program lies the principle that educating everyday people for local autonomy is paramount. Community Justice Sites serve as modern-day Freedom Schools and Citizenship Schools, open to everyone seeking to engage in civic action. Our community-centered educational approach is designed to support grassroots movements led by local community leaders, fostering sustainable change from the ground up. Key programming areas include:
The Learning Center: Your Online Hub for Civic Action
The Learning Center serves as Learning for Justice’s dynamic online platform, providing popular education resources for individuals of all ages – adults, youth, and children. This digital space extends the reach of our Community Justice Sites programming beyond the Southern states, making our resources accessible to a national audience. When we engage in “learning for justice,” we prioritize education as the foundation for informed action, driving positive change and progress within our communities.
Despite strides, true political, social, and economic equality remains unrealized. Furthermore, the growing resistance against a more inclusive society compels us all to deepen our understanding and enhance our skills for effective democratic participation.
Join us in learning to fortify democracy, actively combat hate and bias, and collectively build a more just and equitable society for all.
[Updated Sept. 2024]
