1. Linda Brown Thompson of Brown v. Board of Education leaves behind powerful legacy
Her legacy lives on. Linda Brown of the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education passed away on Sunday. Brown became a household name when her dad sued the Topeka Board of Education for rejecting her enrollment at a nearby all-White school in 1951. A dozen other plaintiffs and the NAACP joined him. The lawsuit would go on to become the historic case that officially ended racial segregation in U.S. public schools in 1954.
By the time the decision was announced, the Brown family had already moved to another city. It took another three years before any school was integrated. Though Brown never got to attend the school she wanted, she sued the Topeka school district 25 years after the Supreme Court decision for not following through. She went on to become an educational consultant and a public speaker.
Brown’s life and legacy is a powerful reminder to continue pushing for greater inclusion of Black and brown people – in the education system as well as every other sector of society.
2. Brazilian sports journalists tackle sexual harassment and demand work safety
Let Her Work. That’s the name of a campaign launched by 52 female Brazilian sports journalists to demand an end to the sexual harassment they face on the job, including unwanted kissing and groping. Since its debut in Rio at a soccer game on Sunday, the campaign video has gone viral under its hashtag #DeixaElaTrabalhar, which means “let her work”.
In addition to sexual harassment, female sports reporters face other forms of sexism. For example, the athletes they interview often wish to speak with their male colleagues instead or call their expertise into question.
Beyond raising awareness, the journalists are running this campaign to call for measures to be taken to stamp out harassment and to change the misogynistic culture of their workplaces and sports venues.
3. Afro-Latina superheroine La Borinqueña helps Puerto Ricans rebuild their homes
La Borinqueña to the rescue! Named for Puerto Rico’s national anthem, this Afro-Latina comic book superheroine brings solar lamps, food and clothes to people affected by Hurricane Maria. Even as she teams up with other DC Comics characters like Wonder Woman, La Borinqueña stays true to her Puerto Rican roots and celebrates her island’s culture.
Artist Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez says one reason he created the character of La Borinqueña was to make fellow Puerto Ricans – both those living on the island and those in the diaspora – proud of their heritage. Proceeds from his new comic book will go towards supporting hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico.