Racial Justice

On our blog, we share our Quote of the Week as well as other insights about our work and about our community. As our society continues to struggle with some of the same issues that Sargent Shriver focused on -- poverty, racism, inequality, war -- we believe it's important to share our stories with each other. Do you have a story to share about Sargent Shriver or about one of the issues he cared about? Share your story with us by emailing it to info@sargentshriver.org. Maybe we'll post it here!

Sep 15

"The central moral problem of our republic"

by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute

"Today again the problem of racial wrongs and racial hatreds is the central moral problem of our republic."Sargent Shriver | Chicago, IL | January 15, 1963Our Quote of the Week marks the 60th anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, a violent chapter...

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Jun 30

"When the Declaration of Independence was written ..."

by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute

Our Quote of the Week addresses the promise of equality in the United States, a promise that we continue to struggle to achieve. As we process the US Supreme Court's decision to end affirmative action in higher education and we prepare for Independence Day, Sargent Shriver's words have an...

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Jun 16

For Juneteenth: Our Commitment to Racial Justice

by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute

Our Quote of the Week reminds us that the movement towards racial justice has come far but must keep moving forward, particularly in the face of opposition that seeks to divide us. We remember these words in preparation for Juneteenth, a day of celebration that also reminds us of...

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Jun 14

Some Reflections Ahead of Juneteenth

by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute

Our Quote of the Week recognizes the ongoing effects of systemic racism and oppression on African American communities, which have been disproportionally affected by poverty for generations. As we prepare to celebrate Juneteenth this coming weekend, we must also remember the...

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Jul 05

Independence Day: The Struggle for Freedom Continues

by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute

Our Quote of the Week reminds us that we cannot celebrate a true "independence day" in the United States until all people can enjoy liberty and self-determination. Independence was not fully achieved on July 4, 1776, and many are still struggling to achieve it 52 years later.Sargent...

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Jun 18

Remembering Juneteenth

by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute

Our Quote of the Week helps us mark Juneteenth with a declaration that in the US, the movement towards racial justice must keep moving forward. While Juneteenth is a day of celebration, it also reminds us of the cruelty and injustice of slavery, and of the long road we still have to...

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Jun 07

"Any American who holds to the theory of white supremacy ..."

by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute

Our Quote of the Week comes on the heels of the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre. As we mourn the lives lost and condemn the violence and injustice of this episode in our history, we must also stand up to the racist attitudes and reform the unjust systems that continue to harm...

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May 24

The "Rule of Law" and Racial Justice

by Sargent Shriver Peace Institute

Our Quote of the Week reminds us that although law and policy play a role in protecting the rights of people, it is our intentions and our will that will ultimately ensure equality, equity, and racial justice. In January 1963, an interfaith group of spiritual leaders from around the country,...

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