#schoolsnotprison

[reasoningdaily]

Harry Belafonte, wearing a striped shirt, in an recording studio, circa 1957.

In light of the concurrent WGA Writer’s and SAG-AFTRA actor’s strike happening in Hollywood, we felt it fitting to take a look back at a handful of celebs and influential figures who’ve never shied away of speaking up and speaking out for a cause.

It’s only right that we start with one of the giants of the past, civil rights leader and entertainer Harry Belafonte. Though he passed earlier this year, his legacy will undoubtedly live on through many generations as those with pivotal platforms decide to use for the betterment of society.

Kendrick Sampson speaks during the Alight Align Arise: Advancing the Movement for Repair National Conference on June 09, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Not only does Insecure and How to Get Away With Murder star Kendrick Sampson talk the talk, he actively walks the walk with his non-profit BLD PWR. Sampson regularly champions important causes such as intersectional mental health justice, the criminal legal system, immigration, #SchoolsNotPrisons, Standing Rock, and Black Lives Matter.

Sidney Poitier, looking straight ahead with his hand wrapped around his chin, circa March 1966.

There’s a reason why the late legendary actor and activist Sidney Poitier will go down in the history books. Thanks to his barrier-breaking roles in film and television, the iconic actor often used his platform to amplify messages for the civil rights movement alongside good friend Harry Belafonte.

Jesse Williams attends as Anna Wintour hosts Special Screening of “Living” at Crosby Hotel on December 05, 2022 in New York City.

If you didn’t know Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams was about that activism life, then his iconic speech at the 2016 BET awards while receiving its Humanitarian award definitely should have clued you in. Even before that and still after that date, he continues to highlight important issues facing Black Americans today through a myriad of ventures such as Question Bridge: Black Males and more.

Taraji P. Henson attends the 2023 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture™ on June 30, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Actress Taraji P. Henson is one of our faves for more reasons than one. Not only does she entertain the masses onscreen, but offscreen she advocates for better mental health resources for people of color through her Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation and better access to education and opportunities through her work with the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Muhammad Ali at a press conference on March 10, 1976, presenting his new autobiographical book ‘The Greatest: My Own Story’ held at The Savoy Hotel in London, UK.

Late legendary boxing champion Muhammad Ali may float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, but he also knocked down the evils of society as one of the most unashamed and outspoken figures in the civil rights movement. “Shoot them for what?” ring a bell. Yeah, we thought so.

John Legend attends the 2023 Milken Institute Global Conference at The Beverly Hilton on May 01, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California.

Whether he’s making music to further the cause or giving of his time and resources, singer and activist John Legend continues to play his role when it comes pushing conversations around prison reform, racial inequality and the fight against injustices.

Billie Holiday records her penultimate album ‘Lady in Satin’ at the Columbia Records studio in December 1957 in New York City, New York.

I only have two words for you that should assure you of legendary singer Billie Holiday’s determination for the fight for fairness and equal rights in the U.S.: “Strange Fruit.” If you don’t know the history behind that song, what all it took to record/perform it, and what happened in the aftermath because of it—might I suggest it this weekend.

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade attend the reopening of The Landmark at Tiffany & Co 5th Avenue on April 27, 2023 in New York City.

Not only do couple Gabrielle Union and NBA superstar Dwyane Wade constantly speak up for the rights on LGBTQIA+ folks, they also use their platforms to raise awareness for other causes such as women’s rights, violence against women and how to put an end to it, gun violence and more.

Nina Simone (born Eunice Waymon) sits at a table in the Regency Hyatt Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia, August 9 through 13, 1967.

With a voice that was equal parts haunting and enthralling, late singer Nina Simone was one of the foremost entertainers in the 60s who were intentional about using their platform to highlight racial injustice, violence against Black folks and the struggle for freedom. Her songs and messages are still used as an underlying force to this day.

Kerry Washington speaks onstage during Variety’s TV FYC Fest on June 07, 2023 in Los Angeles, California

I can’t think of a more visible celeb when it comes to voting and women’s rights than Scandal and Unprisoned star Kerry Washington. Whether she’s speaking at a Women’s March or making TikToks about the fight for voting rights, one thing’s for certain—Washington is and has been about that life.

James Baldwin in Paris in 1975.

Whether you found yourself deeply engrossed in one of his many books examining the mistreatment of Black folks in America or doing a deep dive into some of his past interviews, late author and activist James Baldwin never minced words and was always able to eloquently express the ways in which the U.S. ought to do better by its citizens. And for that we thank him.

Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at MetLife Stadium on July 29, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Yes, Bey technically does a lot of philanthropy through her BeyGOOD foundation, but just like a handful of her musical predecessors, outside of that, she also uses her music to send positive and pivotal messages to the masses whether it’s around police brutality, injustice, or simply taking pride in our skin and in our Blackness.

Kendrick Lamar attends The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City

Staying on the music tip, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention rapper Kendrick Lamar. His music has become a battle cry and often an anthem to keep folks going in the fight for equity and equality. The struggle may be real and the task daunting, but just like Kung-Fu Kenny said: “we gon’ be alright.”

Michael B. Jordan attends the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 12, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California.

It would seem Black Panther and Creed star Michael B. Jordan’s involvement in activism was already engrained in him thanks to his childhood rearing, but the actor-turned-director didn’t abandon those ideals as he aged. Whether he’s donating his time and resources for LupusLA or marching in the streets in L.A. in support of numerous Black men and women who’ve lost their lives to police brutality—or even portraying one of those men onscreen—one thing’s for certain: MBJ is just ad dedicated to the cause as he is his professional ascent.

[cyarskaren52]

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A post shared by Rachael (@conversationswithjustice)

conversationswithjustice #justicefordauntewright

📸 @inclusive.freedom

#kimpotter #dauntewright #policebrutality #abolishthepolice #abolition #socialjustice #community #investincommunities #defundthepolice #schoolsnotprisons #equity #justice #blm #blacklivesmatter #activism #protest #vote #policeviolence #systemicracism #policereform #politics #policethepolice #systemicoppression #systemicracism

[anthonyjnocella]

A new article by Salt Lake Tribune I was interviewed for on keeping youth out of incarceration in Magna City, Utah.

https://www.sltrib.com/news/2023/01/01/how-an-underserved-utah-town/

#stpp #schoolsnotprisons #transformativejustice #youthjustice #educationnotincarceration

[jumpshotsnevergunshots]

Our #joverg Classic Rucker Park edition / tee shirt #jogsportsapparel #shegotgame🏀 #ruckerpark #ruckerparkstreetball #empoweringdisadvantagedyouth #teenblackexellence #goodmorningteenamerica #schoolsnotprison #buildingabetter2morrow #jumpshotsovergunshots (at Rucker Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CS-bysRFz5k/?utm_medium=tumblr

[drraptjr]

#Repost @drknucklehead_esq ・・・ Damn shame. I uncovered these numbers last year while working on a report with @aclu_nationwide. It‘s making a comeback and has been tweeted by folks like Kamala Harris & Shaun King. I’ve worked with colleagues at @acluhawaii @aclu_montana @acluofne @aclupa @aclufl @ to create future publications and advocacy around it. Also working with our @aclu_norcal office for a project that explores how this is impacting Native American students. I’m even seeing it in protest signs outchea in these streets too! News articles have headlines like “The End of School Police” and are citing my report. It’s a new era. #SchoolsNotPrison #Kidsnotcops #CounselorsNotCops #Defundschoolpolice #PoliceFreeSchools #Squadsosavage #Abolitionist https://www.instagram.com/p/CB2MhBCAYyU/?igshid=hojvdgsyj888

[sronson]

Repost from @ddlovato • #BlackLivesMatter 🖤 Repost from @intoactionus “As we mourn the deaths 130,000 Americans, as we demand those charged with protecting us stop killing us, as we expose the long held truth that racism, misogyny and xenophobia are foundational to our systems, as our President stokes fear and division while standing upon land stolen from our indigenous nations... “As fireworks mix with tear gas”... how are we to celebrate the 4th of July? • The 4th of July is complicated, our democracy imperfect and our promise of independence yet unfulfilled for so many. The bounty of this land stolen by the wealthy and the privilege of living in this beautiful country overshadowed by the neglect and greed that leaves the lives of so many too difficult to see any reason to celebrate. • Our commitment is to each other and to the promise of becoming the nation they profess we are. A nation that respects its treaties, that honors its commitments, that understand its bounty is to be shared by all its residence who work tirelessly to make it what it is, to be a safe harbor for those in need and a place where opportunity, safety and freedom of fear is shared equally. • So today, like every day we say #blacklivesmatter and #freethemall and #fightfor15 and #honorthetreaties and #defundthepolice and #abolishice and #schoolsnotprisons and #metoo and and and and and tomorrow we will get up and say them again. • 🇺🇸 ... this is America. #4thofjuly 🎨 by @jefcaine” https://www.instagram.com/p/CCPsZ5UD5Vm/?igshid=16hvjeak0nisp

[bigbabarob]

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A post shared by Baba Rob (@bigbabarob)

This school is so very timely and greatly needed. #dcornothing #Repost @dcblackcom with @get_repost ・・・ RP @theblackdetour - If economic trends do not change, it will take Black Americans 228 years to accumulate the same amount of wealth as their White counterparts. Our children are our responsibility. Is it time for us to open our own schools? @xsaymah @thegardensbe - - - #schoolsnotprisons #HBCUgrad #hbcueducators #hbcupride #howarduniversity #howardalum #HUHC19 #HBCUnews #blackeducators #youngblackeducators #HUmovemakers #entrepreneurship #blackbusinessowners #blackschools #blackgirlmagic #DCnative #washingtondc #DMVcreatives #blackexcellence #buyblack #youngblkandtalented #blackdollarsmatter #youngblackgenius #blackentrepreneurship #supportblackbusiness https://www.instagram.com/p/B3IkHVcBduS/?igshid=1tz2esi6loovs

[ant757x]

It's old, but still relevant Reposted from @theeduactivist - #Repost @tamikadmallory breaks down the reason why we protest & stand up against inequality! In this case it’s the @nfl !! ・・・ #nfl #inequality #justice #liberty #rally #womenempowerment #civildisobedience #education #blacklivesmatter #colinkaepernick #students #children #blackgirlmagic #wcw #votd #takeaknee #schoolsnotprisons #learning #news #morningmotivation https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs_VGUensoU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=lpciexgujxsm

[andystepanian]

New Jersey has the country’s highest racial disparities among incarcerated youth with Black youth being 30x more likely to be incarcerated for offenses similar to those committed by their white peers. A peek at a cutaway from @burningxjeff & I’s latest short film for the youth first initiative. . . #nokidsinprison #nokidsincages #schoolsnotprisons #documentary #iam #newark #newjersey #dronestagram #dronephotography (at Newark, New Jersey) https://www.instagram.com/p/BwSfIXbDc2a/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1drelbe3eynzh

[riseupasone-blog]

It's not about who does what, but about how we all Rise Up As One to protect one another, our communities, our rights from those who try to bury us! ✊🏽👊🏿✋

[theartofgreymatter]

Full photo of my piece from the @wideopenwalls parking lot party at @elkstowerevents 60,000 youth are incarcerated every day in the United States. #schoolsnotprisons #schools #education #prison #art #sacramentoartist #aerosolart #streetart #livepainting #paintparty #graffiti #sacart #artners #MuralExpressions

[clapbackqueensandkings]

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All we asking for is alternatives to these streets.. Repost from @eliana.chinea • How perfect is this?! Repost from @_notprisons ✊🏽 Like, share, comment below - what would you like to see be funded? #DEFUNDTHEPOLICE #SchoolsNotPrisons . . . . @afunctioninggay #afunctioninggay #meangirls #defundthepolice #blm #blacklivesmatter #lindsaylohan #antiracism #decolonize #socialjustice #ftp #cadyheron #reginageorge #rachelmcadams @blklivesmatter @meangirls - # #thejuneteenthproject #blackartmatters #blackartistaffirmed #reclaimblackexistence #reframeblacknarratives #affirmblacklife #blacklivesmatter #humanizeblacklives https://www.instagram.com/p/CR63AVtDJPt/?utm_medium=tumblr

[anthonyjnocella]

December 6 2021 do not miss it. Free and open to the public. Face to face not on zoom. Taylorsville Campus SLCC.#education #schoolsnotprisons #educationnotincarceration #corrections #saltlake #saltlakecommunitycollege #SLCC #utah #newyorktimes #post #news #publicevent

[jumpshotsnevergunshots]

The She Got Game 🏀 edition #jovergcroptops #thegear2wear4aau #thegear2wear2ruckerpark #goodmorningteenamerica #empoweringdisadvantagedyouth #buildingabetter2morrow #schoolsnotprison #holcomberucker #holcomberuckerpark #holcomberuckerbasketball #gregmarius #gregmariuscourt #joverg #jogsportsapparel #jumpshotsovergunshots (at Rucker Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSysuFlLSkl/?utm_medium=tumblr

[iamjemeni]

Repost from @strizzzyeverywhere I HAD TO 😂😂😂😂👊🏾👌🏾 🎶 • #iwokeuplikethis just a tune for the day 😂 #funnynotfunny 😡 #goodmorning #goodenergy #Repost @_notprisons --- A tune. 🎶 #SchoolsNotPrisons #DefundThePolice https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ8q24OnjHg/?utm_medium=tumblr

[margforyou]

You want to make a difference in the world around you. But don’t know how? Start by finding volunteering opportunities in your city.