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University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Illinois Leadership Competencies: Community/Society: Social Justice

What is Social Justice?

"Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures"

-Cesar Chavez

Often Social Justice is about exposing the bindings and power structures which pollute our day to day life. The leaders who are competent in grappling with these issues use their time to engage in various opportunities to learn about power. Often it refers to the social power through race, sex, gender, sexuality, class, age, and other demographics which control how people view each other. 

As a leader it is your responsibility to strive to reduce economic, political, and social inequality. Also, continue to think critically from all perspectives to examine how your actions as a leader and a community will affect all of the members of society, no matter their status level. 

Books on Social Justice

"Change the World, Join a Movement" a TEDx Talk by Adria Goodson

Videos on Social Justice

Articles on Social Justice

Fiction and Films on Social Justice