Social Justice
Read about the newest efforts to overthrow systemic inequalities and address injustices in terms of wealth, opportunities, and privileges to make the world a better place.
How raising a tax credit for struggling families can reduce child neglect
Our children are our future, but sadly enough, child neglect is a major problem in the US. In fact, an estimated one-third of children are subject to a child protective services investigation before the age of 18. Research has found that the stress of poverty is often linked to child abuse, which Read More...
Finally! Illinois becomes first state to end cash bail system
In a huge win for racial justice, the state of Illinois is on the verge of becoming the first state to end wealth-based pre-trial detention. For those being accused of a crime in the US, the general rule is that you are innocent until proven guilty. Despite this, courtrooms across the US operate Read More...
Harriet Tubman will soon replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill
With Black History Month just around the corner, we are celebrating early with the news that Harriet Tubman will finally replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Tubman will be the first woman, the first person of color, and the first activist to take a place of honor on a bill. Petitions to Read More...
These tiny parking lots infill homes are eco-friendly and affordable
We recently wrote about the potential to transform commercial spaces into affordable residential housing in California. Today, we share another innovative housing solution, this time from Sydney, Australia. Architect Brad Swartz is helping his neighbors turn underused parking spaces into cozy Read More...
The Optimist View: Reflections on activism from Gwendolyn Zoharah Simmons
“If we merge mercy with might, and might with right, then love becomes our legacy and change our children's birthright.” - Amanda Gorman BY: AMELIA BUCKLEY As we celebrated the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this week, many Americans contemplated the profound impact of his Read More...
How a former KKK meeting place became a center for healing
In Laurens, South Carolina, an organization called Echo Project is converting what once was a Ku Klux Klan meeting place into a community center and racial reconciliation museum. Shockingly, the building became home to a White supremacist store in 1996 that sold Klan robes and Confederate Read More...
Apple unveils details of its $100m initiative to promote racial equality
Back in June, Apple pledged to invest $100 million to promote racial equality and help dismantle systemic barriers faced by communities of color. Now the company is shedding some light on how that money will be spent exactly. As part of its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, the company Read More...
Raphael Warnock wins election to become Georgia’s first Black senator
At The Optimist Daily, our focus is on solutions. We are not interested in following mainstream news outlets in their pursuit of the latest political news. With that said, there are times when events occur in the political arena that are very much worth writing about. The recent Georgia Senate Read More...
Court grants ‘priority status’ to historic youth-driven climate case
Back in September, we wrote about a groundbreaking court case filed by young activists from Portugal that demanded 33 countries to make more ambitious emissions cuts to protect their future physical and mental wellbeing. Those countries include all the EU states, as well as the UK, Norway, Russia, Read More...
New LA district attorney introduces sweeping reforms
Los Angeles County has a new district attorney and he is making some big changes in the county’s criminal justice system. Newly sworn-in George Gascón reports that the district attorney’s office will no longer seek cash bail for any misdemeanor or non-violent, non-serious felony Read More...