Spotlight on Social Justice

Hundreds of Indigenous nations call North America home-and have since before the countries that make up the continent formed. Indigenous peoples across North America have experienced centuries of struggle and resilience in the face of colonization and oppression. Their journey emphasizes the importance of connection to land, tradition, and community while challenging the narratives imposed by colonial powers. Native to This Land uncovers the rich tapestry of Indigenous histories, highlighting the enduring spirit that continues to thrive. As Native nations navigate the complexities of identity, culture, and sovereignty, their experiences reflect a powerful story of survival and resistance. This examination of Indigenous rights shows an evolving landscape where the struggle for justice and self-determination is as crucial as ever.

How does political extremism erode democracy? And what are people doing to stop it? Throughout history, North American nations have faced serious threats to their democracy, including voter suppression and political extremism. Between Extremes explores how these nations have navigated threats to their democratic foundations. By investigating the origins and evolution of democracy, it highlights the enduring principles of liberty, equality, and civic participation. It reveals how activists and lawmakers tackle the growing threat of political extremism, working to safeguard democracy for future generations. Through a thoughtful exploration of the challenges and triumphs in preserving democratic ideals, you will gain insight into what it takes to build, protect, and strengthen the systems that uphold freedom and public engagement.

Immigration has a long history throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Tens of thousands of immigrants arrive to North America every day from countries around the globe. But the first immigrants likely arrived on the continent more than ten thousand years ago. Throughout time, many different legislative and social attitudes have impacted immigrants, and immigration continues to be one of the most widespread debates around. Embark on a journey through North American immigration history in Crossing Borders. Discover who immigrates to North America, their motivations for moving, the challenges they face, and their profound impact on their communities. No matter where they move, immigrants help shape the history and future of their new homes.

Racial justice seeks the fair, equal treatment of everyone regardless of their race or ethnicity. Throughout history, people of color in North America have faced racial injustices such as housing discrimination, land loss, and voter suppression. The fight for racial equality is not just historical-it is an ongoing effort across the continent. Fighting for Equality explains the arrival of different communities of color in North America, the challenges they have faced over time, and the racial justice they have sought, achieved, and still work toward. From resisting colonization to the labor and civil rights movements to social media campaigns against hate, dive into the historical and modern efforts for racial justice in North America.

Gun violence includes any violent crimes, accidental injuries, or death related to guns. Gun use is prevalent across North America-more than half of people in the United States alone know someone who has experienced gun violence. But how does gun violence happen? What are its effects on people and communities? Why has it become more common, and what are the discussions around trying to curb it? To Arm or Disarm? answers these questions and more. Gun violence is more than just headlines and statistics. It has a ripple effect, touching many lives in its wake. Uncover the complexities of gun violence by exploring its origins, what influences it, and the debate on gun control.

The modern LGBTQ+ community has made significant progress in gaining legal rights and social acceptance compared to decades and centuries ago. However, even as progress has been made, many members of this community have and still face legal, social, and cultural challenges because of their identities. From living in the shadows to legislative triumphs such as the legalization of marriage equality, From Silence to Solidarity explores the history of the LGBTQ+ community and their fight for rights in North America. More North Americans are openly identifying as LGBTQ+ than ever before, and as their visibility increases, so too does progress and backlash alike. Navigate the complexities of the ongoing debate and the work toward LGBTQ+ rights.

For thousands of years, animals have played vital roles in human lives, yet many have also faced mistreatment and exploitation. Animal rights activists champion that all animals deserve to live free from human-caused cruelty and suffering. They emphasize treating animals with respect, allowing them to thrive in their natural environments, and reject practices that exploit them for food, entertainment, or experimentation. Used or Abused? delves into how animals have been subjected to mistreatment for human gain, while also shedding light on national and international laws that aim to protect them. And it highlights the efforts of organizations fighting against animal abuse in areas such as medical and cosmetic testing, factory farming, trophy hunting, poaching, pet breeding, and sports.

Learn about the history and future of reproductive justice. Reproductive rights guarantee individuals the freedom to make decisions about their bodies and reproductive health. These rights include access to safe and effective health care, the ability to choose whether or when to have children, the right to express their gender identity how they wish, and more. People, particularly women, have faced extreme barriers to reproductive rights throughout history. The Fight over Choice explores some of these barriers and how people and organizations have fought to overcome them through reproductive justice. By highlighting these efforts, it underscores the significance of empowering individuals to secure their reproductive rights and make informed choices about their bodies and futures.