What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July?

The U.S. celebrates this Independence Day amid nationwide protests and calls for systemic reforms.

Climate Justice is Racial Justice, Racial Justice is Climate Justice

Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr.

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II: The Only Way We Make It Through Is Together

As a leading voice forthe Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival,Rev. Dr. William J.

Samantha Smith Challenge Update

The 5th graders at St. John Catholic School refused to be deterred by the coronovirus or by cancellation of the 2020 Samnatha Smith Challenge Day.

Michelle Alexander: America, This Is Your Chance

"We must get it right this time or risk losing our democracy forever." “Denial may be neither a matter of telling the truth nor intentionally telling a

Trevor Noah: The Looting of Black Bodies

Thank you, Trevor Noah, for speaking the truth. In this June 1 episode of The Daily Distancing Show, "Trevor shares his thoughts on the killing of Geor

Walt Whitman born on this day

It's the 201st birthday of Walt Whitman, born on this day in 1819 at West Hills, Long Island, New York. Whitman wrote in his preface to Leaves of Grass

Celebrating 95th birthday of Malcolm X

Tuesday (May 19) marks the 95th anniversary ofMalcolm X’s birth.

Speaking Truth to Youth

View new short videos: Speaking Truth to Youth

Dr. Mona: I’m Sick of Asking Children to Be Resilient

Don't miss Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha's 5/12/20 New York Times op ed:  I’m Sick of Asking Children to Be Resilient

Naomi Klein: Only a crisis produces real change

Checking in on Naomi Klein as she turns 50 this week. She's been busy.

May Day Heroes

As frontline workers are calling for May Day strikes - still seekingbasic protections - we honor all of those who have fought for workers in the past: Woo

Earth Day #50

Browsing through the AWTT portrait gallery this morning, we're finding 47 images of earth champions.

John Muir and Earth Day

On the eve of Earth Day, we celebratethe birthday of John Muir, who was born on this day in 1838. "The battle we have fought, and are still fighting fo

One Earth, One Chance: Charlotteville Discussion

We were thrilled to bring together these truth tellers during our Charlottesville exhibit (Jan.-March 2020). Featuring: Sherri Mitchell, Kelsey Juliana, D

Maulian Dana receives award for tribal justice and advocacy

"...This year, the 35-year-old activist [Maulian Dana] — who became the first-ever Penobscot Nation Ambassador in 2017 — was named a recipient of the Mary

Rev. Dr. Barber: Viral Lessons

Chomsky: Ventilator Shortage Exposes the Cruelty of Neoliberal Capitalism

"...But scientific understanding is not enough. There has to be someone to pick up the ball and run with it.

Cesar Chavez on government responsibility

Revisiting the wisdom of Cesar Chavez today: “History will judge societies and governments — and their institutions — not by how big they are or how we

Anniversary of Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

Thanks for The Writer's Almanacfor reminding us that the New York’sTriangle Shirtwaist Factoryburned down on this date (March 25) in 1911.

Remembering and Honoring Rachel Corrie

April 10, 1979 (Olympia, Washington) ~ March 16, 2003 (Rafah, Gaza Strip) Thirty years ago, when Rachel Corrie was 10 years old, she held a press confe

Getting real: CHS students join Robert Shetterly in truth-teller exhibition

More news from Charlottesville! "Art students at Charlottesville High School were asked to create their own portraits of figures they regard as truth-t

New season of "Dirty Money" to examine Formosa's role in Point Comfort

"Formosa’s Point Comfort facility is the subject of a documentary in the new season of Netflix’s “Dirty Money,” premiering worldwide [on March 11, 2020].

Zyahna Bryant joins “Americans Who Tell the Truth” portrait gallery

Unless you’ve beenliving off the grid (or indenial) you know the story: In spring 2016, Zyahna Bryant wrote an open letter to City Council, calling for th

Dorothy Day in the Spotlight

Dorothy Dayhas captured some headlines this week. First a new biography: "With Dorothy Day: Dissenting Voice of the American Century,John Loughery a

20th Anniversary of Granny D Walk for Campaign Finance Reform

Doris “Granny D” Haddock (1910 – 2010) walked across the United States in support of campaign finance reform.

Robert Shetterly in Charlottesville

In conjunction with several AWTT ongoing exhibits in Charlottesville, Robert Shetterly will visit the city this week for somespecial events.

Susan B. Anthony 200th Birthday

Thanks toThe Writer's Almanac, Saturday, February 15, 2020 edition, for this tribute to SusanB. Anthony on her birthday. "It’s the birthdayofSusan B.

Austin Jewish Community Takes Stand for Refugees

Civil rights attorney Jennifer Harbury was among the speakers at a rally in Austin this month. "Members of the groupHIAS, the global nonprofit protecti

Ten Years After Howard Zinn’s Death — Lessons from the People’s Historian

On the tenth anniversary of Howard Zinn's death, educator Bill Bigelow reflects on why Zinn's messages still resonate today. "It’s always worth dipping

New video profile of Grace Lee Boggs - inspired by kids!

Performance artist Kristina Wong and the kids of Radical Cram School have created a video about the life of activistGrace Lee Boggs...in their own words.

David Rovics releases new album of original songs

Singer song-writer David Rovics has announced the release of his new album Strangers & Friends. "The Ongoing History of Protest Music" reviews the

Emily Bazelon touts AWTT posters as great gifts for kids

In the most recent edition of Slate's Political Gabfest, Emily Bazelon recommended AWWT posters as great inspirational gifts for kids. "So one of the s

An Open Letter to John Lewis

Fellow Alabamian Margaret Renkl honors John Lewis in her recentNew York Times opinion piece. "From a sharecropper’s shack outside Troy, Ala., where as

Bronx Green Machine goes international

Catching up with wild man StephenRitz today. So much has happened with Green Bronx Machine since his AWTT portrait was unveiled.

Frances Moore Lappé changed how we eat. She wants to do the same for our democracy.

David Marchese interviews Frances MooreLappé about the preservation of democracy. “I want to shift people away from thinking: Democracy, that’s for som

The Courage of Truth Tellers

AWTT portrait subjects Chelsea Manning, Coleen Rowley and Jesselyn Radack all have December birthdays, giving us the opportunity to reflect on their coura

Bree Newsome Bass: More on the Confederate Flag

In his Sunday NYT column, Charles Blow calls on Bree Newsome Bass to respond to Nikki Haley's revisionist history concerning the Confederate flag.  "Ba

Diane Wilson Wins $50 Million Judgement Against Plastics Giant Formosa

Environmental activist Diane Wilson on Tuesday celebrated the approval of a settlement with plastics giant Formosa Plastics Corp.

Pauli Murray and Robert Kennedy born on this day

Today we celebrate and honor Pauli Murray and Robert F. Kennedy who were born on this day in 1910 and 1925 respectively.

Honoring America's Veterans

On Veterans Day we remember thosewho have served our country through military service, including these AWTT portrait subjects: Dwight D.

Dr. Paul Farmer still a readers' favorite on 60th birthday

As Paul Farmer turns 60 on Saturday, November 26, he is making news in the publishing world. The University of California Press is releasing this month

Glide Memorial Church Celebrates 90th Birthday Of Founder Rev. Williams

The congregation at Glide Memorial Methodist Church, a ray of hope in the Tenderloin District for over 50 years, wished the church’s founder a very specia

Remembering Frances Crowe

As we mourn the loss of peaceactivist Frances Crowe, we need also to remember her wit and wisdom.

Labor Day Champions

Labor Day. End of summer. Family gatherings. Picnics. County fairs.

AWTT 18-Month Calendar Now Available for Purchase

We are excited to announce AWTT's first calendar - featuring Robert Shetterly portraits of 18 inspiring change makers.

From "Ghetto Life 101" to Senator? An Interview With LeAlan Jones

NBC 5 Chicago interviews LeAlan Jones about his run for the Senate as theGreen Party nominee. "LeAlan Jones has always been precocious. At 11, he wa

Santa Monica Exhibit, Films Challenge View of California Coast

"There is science, logic, reason; there is thought verified by experience," environmentalist writer Edward Abbey once said.

Human Rights Lawyer Jennifer Harbury on How Trump Is Punishing Cartels’ Victims—Not Their Members

Amy Goodman interviews human rights lawyerJennifer Harbury about how our government's "zero tolerence" policy is punishing people who are fleeing crime in

Dance concert inspired by woman who was last arrested when she was 94 years old

As part of the month-long AWTTIpswichevent, choreographerJanet Taisey Craft, along with dancers Jessie Boudreau, Jenny Carlson, Danielle DiVito, and Tabit

2018-19 Samantha Smith Challenge: Another Successful Year

The 2018-19Samantha Smith Challenge saw over 300 Maine middle level students become engaged and active citizens.

Kids Suing the U.S. Government to Take Action Against Climate Change: It's a '911' Situation

They're on a roll. Less that a month after their big day in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, the power team landeda major spread in People magazine.

Eve Ensler: The Apology

May 14, 2019 - Eve Ensler's new book, The Apology, comes out today. "When Eve Ensler's father died, she knew the apology she had been waiting for her e

Juliana attorney joins author of Losing Earth at Powell's Books

Author Nathaniel Rich joins Juliana v. U.S. attorney Andrea Rodgers tonight, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. - a stop on Rich's Losing Earth book tour.

Climate Change Is 'Greatest Challenge Humans Have Ever Faced'

In case you missed Bill McKibben's April 16 interview on Fresh Air, it's worth a listen. His new book: Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself

Eva Patterson: Still speaking out on racism and reparations

Eva Paterson testified on April 9, 2019 at the House Judiciary Committee Hearing on Hate Crimes, White Nationalism, and White Supremacy

Cruel Threats to Hungry Families and Children

Marian Wright Edelman, founder an president emerita, of the Children's Defense Fund, continues her fight for children - that they may lead healthy, safe l

Nuclear Age Peace Foundation Wages Peace Worldwide

Catch up on Paul Chappell's current work with the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation.

Peace Activist Frances Crowe Turns 100

The legendary peace activist Frances Crowe has turned 100. She was born on March 15, 1919.

Our Wounded Planet

Don't miss Robert Koehler's insightful essay on the juxtaposition of hate crimes and fighting for the planet. "...In the past few days,two young surviv

Auburn Middle School Students Engage!

Check out these Sun Journal photos ofRobert Shetterly's recent visit to the Auburn Middle School, where students are making podcasts on issues they care a

Can We Divest from Weapons Dealers?

Kathy Kelly, co-cordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence, tirelessly continues her call for divestment.

Majora Carter Slated as Keynote Speaker for Maine Land Conservation Conference

Maine Coast Heritage Trust has announced that Keynote Speaker for this year's Land Conservation Conference will be Majora Carter. The advance billing f

Youth Plaintiffs File Urgent Motion to Stop the U.S. Government From Causing Irreparable Climate Harm

Although the youth plaintiffs in federal court case Juliana v. U.S. lost a key procedural battle in late December, they are not slowing down.

Naomi Klein: On Fire

Our current climate crisis and the actions needed to be taken will be the focus of Canadian author and activist Naomi Klein’s next book, to be published b

Robert Shetterly Delivers Keynote Address at Symposium on Democracy

AWTT's Robert Shetterly will be the evening keynote speaker at Washington & Jefferson College's Symposium on Democracy. Shetterly's topic will be "

Mark Charles Delivers "We the People" Tedx Talk

The son of an American woman of Dutch heritage and a Navajo man, Mark Charles offers a unique perspective on three of the most misinterpreted words in Ame

Announcing Documentary Film about AWTT

Our Children’s Future: A Portrait of Robert Shetterly is a documentary film about this political artist and activist, who has created theportrait seriesAm

Time to Register for the Samantha Smith Challenge

Just two weeks left to register for this year's Samantha Smith Challenge! The Samantha Smith Challenge is a dynamic educational program for Maine middl

Van Jones, new CEO of REFORM Alliance, expands his criminal justice focus

The REFORM Alliance aims to dramatically reduce the number of people living under unreasonable probation and parole sentences, and in turn, free people fr

Oxfam Report: 26 Billionaires Own The Same Wealth As The Poorest 3.8 Billion People

The gap between rich and poor is fracturing society, poisoning politics and fueling public anger, according to a new report from anti-poverty nonprofit Ox

Time to Break the Silence on Palestine

Martin Luther King Jr. courageously spoke out about the Vietnam War.

Ai-jen Poo Shines Hollywood Spotlight on Domestic Workers

Ai-Jen Poo, the executive director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, walked the Globes carpet for the second time Sunday with Alfonso Cuaron.

Lateefah Simon: a creative force in San Francisco

Catching up with Lateefah Simon: Serving on BART Board of Directors (20016-2020), she is pitching the idea of using retired transit cars for housing.

French Yellow Vests: What could it teach us about ourselves?

In a recent opinion piece, Frances Moore Lappe argues that most news coverage we are seeing about the Yellow Vest movement is missing some major points an

Dahr Jamail: The End of Ice

Freelance Journalist Frances Madeson interviews Dahr Jamail about his recent book: The End of Ice

David Korten's New Year's Resolution: From Me to We

We must move beyond the myth of the lone individual to recognize our deep interdependence and responsibilities for one another and nature.

Ninth Circuit Court Grants Government's Interlocutory Appeal in Juliana case

On December 26, in a 2-1 decision, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted defendants’ petition for permission to bring an interlocutory appeal in Juli

None of Us Deserve Citizenship

Don't miss Michelle Alexander's impassioned and powerful op-ed column in the 12/11 New York Times!

AWTT Exhibit at Syracuse University: Inspiration Squared

All of Robert Shetterly's 238 completed portraits in the Americans Who Tell the Truth project are on exhibit at Syracuse University through December 14th.

Climate Crisis Made Worse By Presidential Mis-Leadership Throughout This Century

Dr. Margaret Flowers, along with co-author Kevin Zeese, responds to recent Obama conversation at the Baker Institute.

The Black Feminist Roots of James Baldwin’s ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’

In his review of Barry Jenkins' new movie If Beale Street Could Talk, Elias Rodriques focuses on how Black Feminism was influencing James Baldwin's work i

Juliana Plaintiffs Back in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

On December 10, attorneys for the 21 young plaintiffs in the landmark constitutional climate lawsuit, Juliana v.

Thousands to Rally in Support of the Young Americans behind Juliana v. United States

Trial in the landmark constitutional climate change lawsuit will not start on October 29, but the young plaintiffs will descend on Eugene, Oregon to have

Rev. William J. Barber II named MacArthur Genius Fellow

When the MacArthur Foundation announced its 2018 Genius Fellows today, Dr. Rev Barber was among the chosen 25. AWWT congratulates Dr. Rev.

Trump Administration’s Desperation Grows as ​Juliana v. United States ​Trial Approaches

In a press release dated October 5, Our Chidlren's Trust reported that the Trump administration has filed another motion with the U.S.

Noam Chomsky at Age 90

Noam Chomsky will turn 90 in December. Here are a few highlights from his work this month (September):

Father Roy Bourgeois Continues to Speak Out Against an All-Male Clergy

Roy Bourgeois responds to recent disclosures about Pennsylvania priests:

Wendell Berry Farming Program revived by partnership with Sterling College

The Wendell Berry Farming Program is up and running again after a two-year hiatus, precipitated by the unexpected closing in 2016 of St.

Lessons from Ruby Bridges

In this tribute to Ruby Bridges, Edelman recalls the courage of a 6-year old black student in 1960 and calls upon all of us to follow her example.

Arena Stage to Honor Eve Ensler with American Artist Award

Arena Stage will present the American Artist Award to Tony Award-winning playwright, performer, activist and author Eve Ensler, one of Arena's Power Play

Juliana v. United States Moves Forward, Again

On Friday, November 2 the United States Supreme Court denied the Trump administration's application for stay in the landmark constitutional climate lawsui

“Americans Who Tell The Truth Through Law” artist shares stories of democracy, dissent

Brandeis School of Law has posted some nice website coverage about AWTT program there on October 30.

Tim DeChristopher on state of the "necessity" defense

Tim DeChristopher is interviewed about climate activism and use of the "necessity" defense in a recent WIRED article "Pipeline Vandals are

European Parliament Panel Approves Whistleblower Protections for all EU Countries

BRUSSELS - On Tuesday, the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) of the European Parliament voted in favor of a proposed Whistleblower Protection Directive, whic

Nikki Giovanni Releases "A Good Cry"

Dubbed "The Poet of the Black Revolution", the legendary activist, poet and educator Nikki Giovanni received a warm welcome from the D.C.

Audio: Bill McKibben on the climate movements that give him hope

In this 11/27/18 Mongabay newscast, Bill McKibben talks about where he finds hope in the current climate change landscape.

Medea Benjamin in the Headlines

CODEPINK and Global Exchange cofounder Medea Benjamin is still out in the world making noise and taking action - seemingly everywhere.

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II Goes After Coal Ash Pollution

“I don’t care how many times you tell me you love me, if you put coal ash in my water you don’t love me."

Urban Growers Collective: Will Allen's Daughter Erika Carries On

Erika Allen:We use urban farming as a way to heal communities in terms of trauma and the violence that a lot of our youth and their families experience.

A story of forgiveness, a moment of grace

This letter about the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission by Arla Patch and Robert Shetterly was first published in the

US Postal Service Selects Shetterly Portrait for Shirley Chisholm Stamp

Brooksville, Maine -- On January 31, the United States Postal Service will unveil a new postage stamp honoring Shirley Chisholm

Connie Carter and Operation Breaking Stereotypes

Founder of Operation Breaking Stereotypes and AWTT Director of Education, Connie Carter, talks about the history of OBS in this Bangor Daily News article.

AWTT Launches the Samantha Smith Challenge

Americans Who Tell the Truth and the Maine Association for Middle Level Education launch The Samantha Smith Challenge for service learning and engaged cit

Announcing the First Winner of "The Shetterly Prize" for Socially Engaged Art

This year, 2015, the MyHero Project and Americans Who Tell the Truth created "The Shetterly Prize".

Greensboro, NC Students Contribute to and Learn from the AWTT Exhibit

A video made by Amelya Black from the opening of the Americans Who Tell the Truth show in Greensboro, North Carolina. Robert Shetterly narrates.

Call for Entries! The 2016 Shetterly Prize for Socially Engaged Art

Americans Who Tell the Truth and the My Hero Project are putting out the call for entries for the 2nd Annual "Shetterly Prize" for socially engaged art.

2016 Samantha Smith Challenge Participants and Student Reaction

The 2016 Samantha Smith Challenge offered and exciting demonstration of student activism around the state of Maine with 9 schools and 700 kids working on

AWTT Newsletter: Fall 2017

It's been a very exciting fall forAmericans Who Tell the Truth and the Samantha Smith Challenge.

Government Takes Juliana to U. S. Supreme Court

July 31, 2018 Update: The U.S. Supreme Court denied the government's "emergency" motion.

Nicole Maines Cast as First Transgender Superhero On Television

The transgender activist behind a landmark "restroom of choice" case is marking another historic first. This time on television.

Dr. Mona's Memoir: The Story of Flint's Water Crisis

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha's compelling story is now in print. What the Eyes Don't See: The Story of Crisis, Resistence and Hope in an American City.

Prison Theater Piece Invokes Alexander's Work

Cornell Chronicle reporter Linda Glaser reviews the Phoenix Players Theater Group's production of "The Strength of Our Convictions: The Auburn Redemp

AWTT Receives Grant from Maine Community Foundation

News

  • Honoring America's Veterans

    Americans Who Tell the Truth

    On Veterans Day we remember thosewho have served our country through military service, including these AWTT portrait subjects: Dwight D. Eisenhower, WW II Allied Commander, Supreme Commander ofNATO, and U.S.

  • Dr. Paul Farmer still a readers' favorite on 60th birthday

    As Paul Farmer turns 60 on Saturday, November 26, he is making news in the publishing world. The University of California Press is releasing this month the paperback version of his popular 2016 book To Repair the World: Paul Farmer Speaks to the Next Generation.

  • Samantha Smith Challenge 2019-20 - Registration Open

    Americans Who Tell the Truth

    Calling all middle school teachers! We are excited to begin the 5th annual Samantha Smith Challenge program. Through this school-based program, we aspire to engage Maine middle school students in creating art that moves others to make the world a better place to live.Projects canincluded film, performance, visual art, poetry...you name it. There are no boxes.

  • Glide Memorial Church Celebrates 90th Birthday Of Founder Rev. Williams

    San Francisco
    KPIX5

    The congregation at Glide Memorial Methodist Church, a ray of hope in the Tenderloin District for over 50 years, wished the church’s founder a very special happy birthday on Sunday morning. The morning’s services were even more colorful than usual as the choir arrived, happily wearing the signature dashiki robes that Rev.

  • Remembering Frances Crowe

    Bulletin of Atomic Science

    As we mourn the loss of peaceactivist Frances Crowe, we need also to remember her wit and wisdom. On the occasion of her death, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has re-published its 2014 interview with her - worth reading and re-reading.

  • Jane Addams birthday

    Writer's Almanac

    Thanks to the Writer's Almanac for this September 6, 2019 entry: "Today is the birthdayof American social reformerJane Addams(1860) (books by this author), who co-founded the Chicago settlement house, Hull-House, in 1889 when she was 29 years old. Addams was born into an affluent Quaker family in Cedarville, Illinois.

  • Labor Day Champions

    AWTT

    Labor Day. End of summer. Family gatherings. Picnics. County fairs.

  • AWTT 18-Month Calendar Now Available for Purchase

    Brooksville, ME
    Americans Who Tell the Truth

    We are excited to announce AWTT's first calendar - featuring Robert Shetterly portraits of 18 inspiring change makers. The calendar includes the last 6 months of 2019 and calendar year 2020.

  • Santa Monica Exhibit, Films Challenge View of California Coast

    Santa Monica, CA
    Santa Monica Lookout

    "There is science, logic, reason; there is thought verified by experience," environmentalist writer Edward Abbey once said.

  • From "Ghetto Life 101" to Senator? An Interview With LeAlan Jones

    Chicago
    Edward McClelland

    NBC 5 Chicago interviews LeAlan Jones about his run for the Senate as theGreen Party nominee. "LeAlan Jones has always been precocious. At 11, he was discussing the war in Iraq with a TV journalist, sitting on a South Side stoop and fiddling with a baseball mitt while opining, “Bush wants too much oil.” At 13, he made “Ghetto Life 101,” a documentary for WBEZ, following th

Events