Calendar

It is important to be clear that to the extent that the world has become a more just
(or at least a less unjust) place is the work of men and women in a wide array of social
movements. One of the problems with progressives however, is our lack of historical
perspective. We often ignore the trigger points, successes as well as the defeats that
are part of striving to make the world a better place. We are clear about the long road
ahead but forget the long journey that has been undertaken.

History can teach us much, both from the positive things that are achieved as well as
the defeats that were experienced. As writer Marcus Gee (no supporter of progressive
politics) wrote in the Globe and Mail, popular movements, particularly those that are
non-violent, have overthrown autocratic and unjust political leaders all over the
world*. Often they go poorly recognized, for example the work done by popular
movements as part of the fall of the Soviet Union.

We forget the work of organizing and powerful opposition that was overcome that went
into winning conditions that improved the lives of so many marginalized people - for
labour, women, African North Americans and Aboriginal people for example. That does
not mean that the struggles have been totally successful, racism, patriarchy,
heterosexism, ableism and class war still exist. Indeed, in particular it seems that the
class war has intensified (at the same time it is being less recognized). But we are not
where we were at the middle of the 19th century when women and children were
working 18 hour days in horrendous sweat shops or where Jim Crow Laws were openly
and even proudly proclaimed.

These are some dates of events, births and deaths that we should recognize as
significant markers in the struggle for social justice around the world as well as
reminders of the all to often existence of unjust social orders that exist under the guise
of "law abiding" governments.
* Marcus Gee (2006) "Chalk up another win for people power" Globe and Mail, April 26, A10.