#SocialJusticeThroughArt

[pamelaaminou]

Monday's Photography Inspiration - James Nachtwey

James Nachtwey, born on March 14, 1948, in Syracuse, New York, is a renowned photojournalist whose lens has captured the raw essence of human suffering, conflict, and resilience. His contribution to photography extends far beyond the realm of documentation; it is a testament to the power of visual storytelling as a catalyst for social change. Nachtwey’s journey into photography began in the…

[mizamour]

The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown - This book is a middle-grade science fiction story, the sequel to the acclaimed The Wild Robot, in which a shipwrecked robot, Roz, learns to live in the wilderness of the island where she finds herself by adapting to the environment, winning over the wary animals with her peaceful devotion to a young gosling, whom she raises as her own. But at the end of the first book, Roz finds herself broken and sent back to the factory, torn from the home she had built. But why am I talking about this book, when this blog is focused on diverse books? It's because, in this sequel especially, Roz's experience reflects many refugee and immigrant experiences. Through the lens of immigration, Roz's experiences build empathy for her/their hardship. As Roz is forced to relocate for her health /repair, but then finds herself trapped in a situation, farming, where she tries to make a new life for herself, making new friends, but feels homesick constantly for her gosling son and her island friends, meanwhile having to hide who she really is, her personality and her story, in order to be seen as "normal" /non-defective by those who are in power over her. The connections are so strong - this book could easily be used as a pathway into talking about issues of immigration and social justice, the dynamic of power and how those who have it can control those who don't, and how marginalized groups still form and use strong community connections to empower and protect themselves and their loved ones. I won't spoil the ending, but it is beautifully done, and invites further discussion. This book would be a wonderful pick to lead readers into deeper conversations about issues of justice and how they, like the kids in the book, can take action to be allies for others. As author Lloyd Alexander says, "fantasy (and sci fi). Is not an escape from reality, it is a way of understanding it." That principle is shown so clearly in this powerful book. #raisingreaders #childrensliterature #childrenwhoread #socialjusticethroughart #childrensfantasy #thewildrobot #raisingkindkids https://www.instagram.com/p/CCpS557HAv6/?igshid=1ciqrh5ddm01v

[warriorqueeninitiative-blog]

I am so lucky to be working with an amazing organization like @girlbeheard. Next week is the opening of the company member's new show, Blurred Lines; a play on rape culture and consent. Check out the video for more info and be sure to reserve your tickets asap because they've already sold out two shows! #rapeculture #consent #sexualassault #women #womensrights #womenssafety #feminist #feminism #socialjustice #theatre #socialjusticethroughart #art #community #support #ally #campusassault

[mizamour]

Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America by Carole Boston Weatherford and Jamey Christoph: When I was a wedding photographer (and loved it as a hobby, too), I was excited to learn about as many photographers as I could. But I never (unfortunately) heard of Parks until now - and he is perhaps the most interesting of all! Born into a mid-west town, Parks faces racism throughout his life, being told by a teacher that his prospects include only porter and waiter (which, denied other opportunities, he does take on as jobs at one point), but his dreams reach far beyond these narrow constraints. After many various jobs, Parks sees a photo essay about migrant workers and is spellbound, inspiring him to buy a cheap camera and thus launch his life as a self-taught, extremely talented, photographer. Throughout his career, Parks used his photography to expose injustice and promote equity, including a weeks-long photographic study and famous portrait of a Black woman, Ella Watson, who worked as a custodian in the White House. Standing front of a flag, flanked by a mop and broom, Watson's expression conveys both her grim circumstances and her determination to fight for a future for her grandchildren where the opportunities the flag represents are extended to all. This, a new "American Gothic," along with Parks' defining documentary photographs of workers' conditions, racial segregation, and the Civil Rights movement, shone stronger than words, powerful depictions of America's unjust realities and possible futures. Though this book focuses mostly on Park's photography, the About notes in the back provide all his biographical highlights, including his his additional artistic pursuits in writing composing, and directing films. The words and illustrations in this book form a perfect match, powerfully telling and showing Park's story in a way that is accessible even to young children, but also a wonderful introduction to this vital hero for anyone of any age. #diversechildrensliterature #diversekidlit #representationmatters #diversebooks #biography #gordonparks #photography #socialjusticethroughart #socialjustice #civilrights #blackheroes https://www.instagram.com/p/CDrM0-Ugpvp/?igshid=1r3y8zt5xmozs