Social Justice
Read about the newest efforts to overthrow systemic inequalities and address injustices in terms of wealth, opportunities, and privileges to make the world a better place.
Zimbabwean grandmothers transform mental health care globally
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A deceptively simple yet revolutionary mental health therapy based on grandmothers' wisdom and sensitivity took root in Zimbabwe. Now, it is being embraced around the world, including in the United States. A lifeline for despair Tambudzai Tembo, 57, was Read More...
Restitution of Asante Kingdom treasures: US museum returns stolen artifacts after 150 years
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a historic event, the Asante kingdom of Ghana welcomed the return of seven royal treasures seized by British colonial forces 150 years ago and kept at the Fowler Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles since the 1960s. This is a significant Read More...
Helping young people of color navigate the music industry with Carnegie Hall's The B-Side
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the iconic setting of Carnegie Hall, a remarkable initiative is taking shape, one that seeks to bridge the stark gap between the industry's diverse musical talent and its predominantly white leadership. The B-Side, a program specifically developed to Read More...
7 states secure abortion rights as voters push back against restrictive measures
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As abortion rights remain a hotly debated issue in the United States, voters in ten states recently had the opportunity to change reproductive freedoms at the state level. More than two years after the Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe v. Wade, which Read More...
Belong is an intergenerational housing solution to combat loneliness among older adults
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As society faces the challenges of an aging population, new housing concepts are emerging that promise to address one of the most important issues of older adults: loneliness. One such option is intergenerational housing, which combines senior living Read More...
Hospitality workers’ wages get unprecedented boost with 30% wage increases
In an unexpected turn of events, the hospitality industry, long associated with some of the lowest-paid occupations, is undergoing a wage revolution. Over the last four years, salary raises in the industry have pushed hospitality workers' wages up by almost 30 percent, a significant increase that Read More...
UK aims to tackle drink spiking to protect women and girls
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The UK government announced a game-changing move to tackle spiking, a crime that has haunted nightlife and endangered public safety for years. On November 24, Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed plans to make spiking a standalone criminal offense, a move Read More...
California introduces groundbreaking Southeast Asian curriculum in schools
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM California launched the nation's first Southeast Asian Studies Model Curriculum, allowing students to learn about the rich histories and accomplishments of Hmong, Vietnamese, and Cambodian Americans. While the lessons are not required, K-12 instructors Read More...
Science backs up how small acts of kindness can create global change
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a society fraught with political divisions, global crises, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, it's easy to believe that individual efforts are insignificant. However, research increasingly shows that tiny acts of compassion and connection can have Read More...
Over 75% of UK universities vow to divest from fossil fuels
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a major triumph for climate activists, over 77 percent of UK institutions pledged to divest from fossil fuels. The achievement is the culmination of over a decade of tireless effort by students and faculty. People & Planet's Fossil Free campaign, Read More...