Go beyond trauma and struggle to examine the liberation, civic engagement, creativity and intersecting identities of Black people during Black History Month. Teaching Tolerance shared this article by Coshandra Dillard, which offers resources on teaching a more complete, accurate, and humanizing account of Black experiences in the U.S. and beyond. Read more.

1 out of 5 residents in Aurora, CO is foreign born, making it one of the most diverse communities in Colorado. Aurora has embraced the diversity of its community as a strength, developing creative programs to encourage immigrants to engage in civic life. Building on this past work, the city unveiled a 10-year Immigrant Integration Plan, “Aurora is open to the world.”

Former Mississippi Governor William Winter, who served as Chair of the League's board, died on January 22. Known as the “Education Governor,” he exemplified a generation of post segregationist southern politicians who hoped to transform the region with open government, economic development, education reform and an end to Jim Crow laws. Read more.

While much of the nation was focusing on Washington, D.C.’s inaugural ceremony, there was another one taking place that week in Connecticut that recognized a much younger chief executive. On Jan. 22 Connecticut swore in its sixth Kid Governor, 5th grader Reese Naughton. Connecticut’s Kid Governor program was started in 2015 by the Connecticut Democracy Center. Read more.

In this special issue of the Review, a group of innovators and thinkers offer their best ideas on what it will take to promote equity, well-being and civic health in our communities. The issue highlights and expands on strategies and innovations introduced in “Thriving Together: A Springboard for Equitable Recovery.” Access the edition here, using access code NCL21 when prompted.

The League has partnered with the soon to be released documentary The Reunited States, out February 9th on Amazon, iTunes & OnDemand. The filmmakers have extended an invitation for us to invite our members to attend the premiere on February 11th at 8PM EST with special guests Van Jones and Meghan McCain! Sign up here. Check out the New York Times review or watch the trailer.