Each month, we give you a roundup of the highlights in national and local news relevant to social justice topics. Our goal is to let the stories spark productive conversations about race, gender or any trait that can divide people.
 
First, there has been a lot of talk about race surrounding the Zimmerman trial and Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. Even the president had a few things to say about how the ruling relates to U.S. history and the current political and social climate.
 
The Zimmerman trial wasn’t the only story related to Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law this month, however. A story that is worth talking about given the YW’s work in domestic violence was about a woman who was sentenced to 20 years in prison after firing warning shots against her allegedly abusive husband.
 
And finally, NPR interviewed Brittney Cooper about an encounter that she had while boarding an airplane. The woman sitting next to Cooper sent a text message with a racial slur directed toward Cooper. As a part of the YW’s social justice programs for middle and high school students, we often talk to students about what students do when they encounter prejudice in their schools. Cooper’s story gives us all an opportunity to reflect on the ways that we react when we encounter prejudice and discrimination.

And to end this month’s round-up on a lighter note, Chevy released a Silverado commercial with a female rodeo competitor at the center. Generally, ads for pickup trucks have featured men. Watch the ad below, and then let us know what you think in the poll here.
  
 
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The views expressed in this blog are the personal opinions of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the YWCA Central Alabama. The intention of this blog is to provide information and perspectives on social justice issues; however, the YWCA makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The YWCA will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this information or for any losses, injuries or damages incurred from the display or use of this information. This policy is subject to change at any time.