Prepare to be confronted with the stark realities of homelessness in America through the raw and unflinching lens of ’30 Seconds Away: Breaking the Cycle’. This powerful documentary follows the lives of six homeless men in Milwaukee over five years, delving into their daily struggles for survival and their encounters with the justice system. As you witness their stories, you’ll be challenged to question the cycle of poverty and incarceration and grapple with how we can truly help those in need.
A disabled mother with one leg has been forced to crawl up a flight of concrete stairs to get to her flat for years, despite the local council promising to get her an accessible home. Tracey Whiteside, 48, has had to crawl up and down 17 stairs every day to her second-floor flat in Linwood, Renfrewshire, for almost four years. The situation has had a devastating impact on her mental and physical health, with doctors warning that the extra strain on her remaining leg could cause her to lose it.
Donald Trump’s recent claim that federalizing Washington, DC would solve its crime problem is based on a misunderstanding of the root causes of crime. Research consistently shows that inequality, not poverty, is the primary driver of societal disintegration and criminal behavior.
The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) has expressed disapproval of the Karnataka government’s move to categorize the Muslim community as a backward caste for reservation purposes. The commission maintains that this decision undermines the principle of social justice and infringes upon the rights of other backward classes within the state.
The seed of Street Books, a non-profit organization that provides mobile libraries to underserved communities in Portland, Oregon, was planted in the early 1990s. Laura Moulton, one of the founders, began volunteering at a community radio station and met Quiet Joe, a man who lived on the streets by choice and shared her love of literature. Laura was struck by the fact that despite their differing backgrounds, they shared a common world of books and ideas. Inspired by this experience, Laura and her brother James built a bicycle-powered library and began offering books to people living on the streets of Portland. In the years since its founding, Street Books has grown from a small street-level project to an organization with a permanent home and a dedicated team of volunteers. Street Books has received national recognition for its innovative approach to providing access to books and literature to those who need it most.
Rt Hon Lord Field of Birkenhead, CH, former Labour minister and crossbench peer, has passed away at the age of 81 after battling terminal cancer. Lord Field had a distinguished career in public service, serving as a Minister for Welfare Reform and leading the Independent Review on Poverty and Life Chances. He also chaired several prominent parliamentary committees, including the House of Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee. Lord Field was a passionate advocate for social justice and poverty reduction, and his loss will be deeply felt by those who admired his commitment to these causes.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has clarified his previous statement regarding a ‘wealth survey,’ asserting that its purpose is solely to assess the extent of injustice present in the country. Addressing the party’s ‘Social Justice Conference’ in Delhi, Gandhi emphasized that the survey aims to gauge the severity of inequalities faced by the vast majority of the population.
Rev. Cecil Williams, the revered pastor of Glide Memorial Church, passed away at the age of 94. Williams transformed Glide into a beacon of social justice and support for marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ population. His legacy of inclusion and compassion shaped the Bay Area and influenced countless lives.
An unconventional book club within one of the nation’s largest jails has transformed the career ambitions of DePaul University senior Nana Ampofo. Each week, she drives a van of her peers to Cook County Jail to engage in thought-provoking discussions about books with inmates, including renowned activist Sister Helen Prejean. The club promotes open-minded conversations, recognizing the shared humanity between individuals regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. The program has expanded into a popular volunteer effort, with each academic quarter featuring a new cohort. The discussions resonate deeply with the group members, who are predominantly Black or Latino. They tackle books that address personal experiences, societal issues, and the complexities of the criminal justice system. Sister Helen Prejean’s visit to the book club was a poignant moment, as she shared her experiences as a spiritual advisor to death row inmates. Her presence underscored the club’s mission to challenge misconceptions and foster empathy.
The Rev. Cecil Williams, whose transformative leadership alongside his late wife Janice Marikitami turned Glide Church in San Francisco into a beacon of hope for the underserved, has passed away at the age of 94. Known for its inclusive services and impactful social justice initiatives, Glide Church became a sanctuary for those facing poverty, homelessness, and marginalization. Rev. Williams’ unwavering commitment to social justice and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him a respected figure among politicians, celebrities, and leaders worldwide.
