Activism: never too early or too late!

~ Becky Ross Michael

 

a is for activist

Originally written for his own children, this board book, read here by the author, Innosanto Nagara, introduces young kids to the positives of social change. Children can begin to see themselves as activists when they stand up for someone who is being  bullied, help with the family’s recycling, or when they ignore the color of a person’s skin to see the heart, inside.

In July of 2017, NPR Books said of A is for Activist, “Every letter is the definition of a different social movement. For F — kids learn about Feminism, when we get to G – kids learn about the meaning of grassroots organizing and why it’s important. This beautifully illustrated ABC book uses rhyming and alliteration to get your little reader excited about social change. If your child loves this work they may enjoy the author’s new work My Night at the Planetarium, which illustrates the important role the arts play in resistance.”

At that same time, NPR also noted a list of books for “woke kids” of all ages that you might want to check out!

As the title of this blog post suggests, besides never being too early to explore activism, it’s also never too late. These last several years have served as a real wake up call for me, as I’m sure they have for countless others. This past Thursday I attended my very first protest, in support of protecting Robert Mueller’s investigation. This was a small action on my part, but very important for me. I’m tired of all the lies and feeling so helpless. Being part of a like-minded group of citizens at this demonstration gave me a sense of purpose, along with cautious hope for better days.

~Becky

Protest! Nov. 2018
Just a few of the protesters before the march. I’m the ‘turquoise sleeve’ just left of the woman in the red jacket:)

 

23 thoughts on “Activism: never too early or too late!”

  9. That was during college – I went to art school in NYC; there was a lot of activism going on back then. I, along with hundreds of others, took over the Brooklyn Bridge and walked from Brooklyn to the Upper West Side to attend Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral … I don’t know how well-informed I was overall myself, but there were many issues at the forefront, and college students were standing up and being counted. It was quite a time. I’m always excited and proud to see college students today – and others, too! 🙂 – marching, standing up, making their voices be heard … it’s important.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Hi Becky, Thanks for reading my post. Being a teacher is one of the vocations I would like to have taken up, but because of WW2 and my terrible education, it wasn’t to be. I salute you! Nevertheless, when I retired from full-time work and our two businesses, I became a ‘Dinner lady’ in a nearby school and – having learned a little by then..helped a few slow learners with their reading, which I loved, and to write simple poetry. All power to your pen! Cheers. x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I always enjoy reading your posts, Joy! It often takes just the right person at just the right time to really make a connection with someone who struggles in learning to read. I’m sure that your efforts were appreciated!

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment