Spare Change News

Category: Social Justice

  • Boston Fast-Food Workers Join 300-City Labor Day Strike

    While many of us had a day off on Labor Day, fast-food workers in Boston were among those in 300 cities who walked off their jobs in a call for better wages and the right to join a union. The Boston action started at 6 a.m. at a fast-food franchise on Tremont Avenue. Among the…

  • How Inequality Became the Big Issue Troubling the World’s Top Economists

    How Inequality Became the Big Issue Troubling the World’s Top Economists

    After a riveting keynote speech from Neil McInroy at this year’s Global Street Paper Summit, it is clear that social inequality is becoming a greater focus for economists. In a recent feature for The Conversation, Steve Schifferes, professor of financial journalism at the University of London, takes a deeper look at why social issues are…

  • Boston Courts to Homeless People: You Don’t Matter

    Boston Courts to Homeless People: You Don’t Matter

    My column this week was supposed to be about the so-called “Free Speech Rally.” It was supposed to be about the pride that swelled in my chest as my adopted hometown—which has itself faced more than enough issues when it comes to racism—overwhelmingly rejected (to the tune of 40,000 people) the same crap that engulfed…

  • Fresh Truck Brings Fresh Produce to Dorchester Neighborhood

    Fresh Truck Brings Fresh Produce to Dorchester Neighborhood

    Photos By Jordan Frias The Fresh Truck made a visit to the Codman Square Community Health Center in Dorchester on Thursday, August 17, to provide residents, workers and others in the neighborhood with fresh produce, free of charge. Reusable shopping bags were handed to the first 100 customers of the Fresh Truck, with $10 worth…

  • The Battle for Land is a Battle of Words: How Language Shapes Neighborhood Development in Boston

    The Battle for Land is a Battle of Words: How Language Shapes Neighborhood Development in Boston

    Dorchester has become increasingly yuppified, according to some residents. Honeycomb Cafe, located near the Savin Hill MBTA Station, recently opened. (Photo by Olivia Deng) Shitty. Trendy. Townies. Yuppies. Teamsters. Bourgeoisie. Gritty. Upscale. Bleak. Vibrant. The meaning of these words takes on various dimensions in the context of neighborhood development, as developers and politicians use words…

  • Gentrification Anxiety: JP Residents Demand More Affordable units in New Housing

    Gentrification Anxiety: JP Residents Demand More Affordable units in New Housing

    Earlier this year, activists swarmed Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s office and called for more affordable housing to be included in Plan JP/Rox. What attracted Susan Prager and her husband to Egleston Square nearly 30 years ago? The affordability of a single-family home and the diversity of the residents living in the area. Now, this section…

  • Boston Will Push to Extend Temporary Protected Status for Immigrants

    A measure is pending before the Boston City Council to urge the Trump administration to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS is a humanitarian program intended to provide safe haven in the United States for people fleeing dangers such as natural disasters, wars and gangs. So far, the administration is moving in the opposite direction.…

  • Hate Speech Rally Gets Shut Down

    Hate Speech Rally Gets Shut Down

    Photo by Caitlin Russell Counter-protesters came out in force and far outnumbered the “alt-right” faithful who descended upon Boston for what they called a “Free Speech Rally,” which others saw as a transparent cover for a hate speech rally. The rally ended early as the bandstand from which the white nationalist speakers were supposed to…

  • Accessing Services Still a challenge for Homeless Youth

    Results from the third state-wide survey of unaccompanied homeless youth were released and showed that little has changed when it comes to the demographics of people affected by homelessness or the reasons why they are homeless in Massachusetts compared to past years. The results are based on a collection of surveys conducted over a two-week…

  • Young Victims of Sexual Violence Find Refuge with Roxbury Youthworks

    Young Victims of Sexual Violence Find Refuge with Roxbury Youthworks

    At-risk and court-involved youth may not always want the help that they need, but those in the Greater Boston area who do are likely to be paired with a Life Coach from Roxbury Youthworks Incorporated, an organization that has been around for 36 years. “We’re a voluntary program,” said Roxbury Youthworks Inc. Executive Director Mia…