Category Archives: Social Justice

Taking Down Backpage: Fighting the World’s Largest Sex Trafficker – Maggy Krell

(Reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned “While a commercial sex transaction may seem consensual on the surface, the lopsided power dynamic, the history of trauma and abuse, and the lack of options often make the consent illusory. And sex without consent … Continue reading

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Things I Have Withheld – Kei Miller

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “…the place where I have always felt most comfortably gay is in Jamaica. In Jamaica, I know the language and the mannerisms of queerness. In Jamaica, I know how to dance. In Jamaica, I do not … Continue reading

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The Man Who Lived Underground – Richard Wright, Afterward by Malcolm Wright

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “…even though his entire body was drenched in what seemed to him a cloud of hot vapor, even though his throat gagged at the reeking odors, he felt that he was safe for the first time … Continue reading

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This Is the Fire: What I Say to My Friends About Racism – Don Lemon

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Racism is a cancer that has been metastasizing throughout this land ever since Columbus showed up. It’s persisted because the right people had the luxury of ignoring it. Not anymore.” In fact, Donald Trump, a blatant … Continue reading

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You Can Keep That to Yourself: A Comprehensive List of What Not to Say to Black People, for Well-Intentioned People of Pallor – Adam Smyer

(reviewed by JD Jung) “Your good intentions used to be enough. But in these diverse and divisive times, some people would hold you accountable for your actions. You were not raised for such unfairness. You need help.” Your black co-worker … Continue reading

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Have Black Lives Ever Mattered? – Mumia Abu-Jamal

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “The unity of the people is the greatest weapon against the silence, fear, and oppression imposed by the system.” “…organizing makes a difference, protest has impact; for without the pressure of protest, there would be no … Continue reading

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Truth Has a Power of Its Own: Conversations About A People’s History – Howard Zinn, Ray Suarez

(reviewed by JD Jung) “I think we should be de-emphasizing the attention paid in traditional history to great military heroes, to presidents, to Supreme Court justices, to members of Congress, because our history generally has been history pulled from top … Continue reading

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Inside Voices -Jennifer M. Miller

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “…they are people. They are not animals. They are not throwaways. They deserve respect and love just as much as anyone else. They are lifers, and they matter.” This is the reoccurring message that Jennifer M. … Continue reading

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A Matter of Conscience – James Bartleman

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “…Canadians in general are more prepared to help the poor of the Third World than the First Peoples in their own country.” James Bartleman, retired Ontario lieutenant governor and member of the Chippewas of Rama First … Continue reading

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A Rebel in Gaza: Behind the Lines of the Arab Spring, One Woman’s Story – Asmaa al-Ghoul (Author), Selim Nassib (Author), Mike Mitchell (Translator)

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “I think the real occupying forces are the internal ones, Hamas, Fatah, the parties…then comes the major occupation: Israel. We can’t get rid of the latter without first of all getting rid of the former. To … Continue reading

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