Compassionate Resistance for 4/18/17

This post is part of my “Compassionate Resistance” series, a regular roundup of stories of local resistance from across America. This series was inspired by and is part of Powerful Resistance, a grassroots project to counter the injustice of the current administration by promoting positive stories of justice and compassion.

• Learn more about my Compassionate Resistance series.
• Browse my Compassionate Resistance series archive.
• Follow my Compassionate Resistance Twitter feed at @Comp2Resist.
• Learn more about the Powerful Resistance project on Facebook.

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• My Word: Sanctuary City Policies Protect the Most Vulnerable (East Bay Times): "Until Congress passes comprehensive immigration reform, it is absolutely reasonable to tell the federal government not to expect any help at the local level. Sanctuary city policies do just that."
• House Passes Bills to Address Racial Bias in the Criminal Justice System (VPR News): "What we’re talking about here is, how do we affect a system? How do we affect institutionalized racism and create an impact across the board?"
• What Happens When We Fund Art? (Berkshire Eagle): "The data show that what's at stake are not cutting-edge, big-city provocateurs, but traditional artists who focus on such decidedly noncommercial traditions as crafts and mountain music."
• Siege Has Ended, But Battle Over Public Lands Rages On (New York Times): "…The change in administration has also spawned a countermovement of conservatives and corporate executives who are speaking up alongside environmentalists in defense of public lands…"
• A Champions: Change the World Review—Social Justice League (Primary Ignition): "You’ve got some standard teenage superhero stuff, sure. But the book also tackles Islamaphobia, Islamic Fundamentalism, feminism, and police brutality. This is very much a book for 21st century issues…"
• How American Muslims Are Trying to Take Back Their Government (The Atlantic): "It’s been exciting to see people…recognize that it’s at the local level that you really are creating policies that impact our day-to-day lives."
• Letter: Our Country Ruled By Constitution, Not Bible (Knoxville News Sentinel): "It doesn't seem like the religious community is doing a very effective job helping the needy. Without the government, who is going to make up the difference?"
• An Anti-Trump Easter Awakening (New York Daily News): "How can Christian supporters of Trump claim to adhere to Jesus' clear call when the President's proposed budget would slash vital programs that make food, housing, heat, health and education available for the poorest and most vulnerable, all while his administration is poised to cut taxes for the richest Americans?"
• In a Challenging Time for Islam, Black Muslims in the U.S. Aim for Unity (Denver Post): "I can’t really think of a better time for non-black Muslims to start examining how we got here, and what lessons we can learn from the hard-won victories of black communities from the civil rights movement."
• Birmingham Civil rights National Monument Celebrated, Sign Unveiled During Ceremony (AL.com): "Birmingham was the epicenter of America's civil rights movement, and the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument recognizes the remarkable contributions made by the foot soldiers and leaders of the movement."

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