Posts by Ben Dawson

  • “Draw the Circle Wide”

    We are all called to do the work of dismantling our divisions and instead to see each other and every child as beloved, precious children of God. Instead of drawing lines, we are called to draw wider circles.

  • Prayers for Labor Day

    This Labor Day Weekend is again a time to honor the workers who have made America all that it is—especially all those who work with and for children. “A Child Advocate’s Beatitudes,” inspired by Clarence Jordan’s Sermon on the Mount, is a prayer for all.

  • Remembering the March on Washington

    On August 28, 1963, I stood on the National Mall with uncontained excitement and tears with Bob Moses, Ella Baker, Julian Bond, and 250,000 others.

  • Charles Ogletree

    Charles Ogletree, who died August 4, was one of our nation’s preeminent legal scholars and a lifelong champion for racial and social justice.

  • We Must Be the Examples

    When our children see the news right now, what are they thinking? We are at a moment where adults everywhere are reminded once again that we must all continue to strive to be the examples we want our children to emulate.

    | National

  • Racial Justice

    Bringing Truth to Light

    On July 25, the day that would have been Emmett Till’s 82nd birthday, President Joe Biden hosted a White House signing ceremony for a proclamation establishing the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument in Mississippi and Illinois.

    | National

  • Gun Violence

    “Youth Aren’t Bulletproof”

    When 10-year-old Maite Rodriguez was murdered by an assault rifle in her fourth-grade classroom alongside two teachers and 18 classmates, her parents had to identify her body by those favorite sneakers.

    | National

  • Gus Newport

    Gus Newport, who passed away in June, was a warrior for social justice, equality, and peace who spent his life pushing local, national, and international communities to get closer to “best.”

    | National

  • Christine King Farris

    Christine King Farris, who passed away on June 29 at age 95, embodied a legacy of servant-leadership as an educator and activist. She taught generations of students at Spelman College and helped establish the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Change in Atlanta, where she served as a founding board member, vice-chair, and treasurer.

    | National