Spare Change News

Category: Social Justice

  • Jobs Commission Assembling its Final Report

    By Andy Metzger STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, JUNE 14, 2012……Three years after it was ordered by Gov. Deval Patrick, the state’s Jobs Commission is putting together its report on the strengths and weaknesses of the Massachusetts economy. Commission Chairman Sen. Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) told commission members on Thursday morning that Friday would…

  • Women's Commission Presses for Equal Pay/ Sick Day Bills

    By Colleen Quinn STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, JUNE 13, 2012….Women across the state face an frightening rate of poverty as they age because many work lower-paying or part-time jobs that leave them without pensions and retirement savings, according to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. Commission members gathered for their…

  • Why Are Gay Rights Still Disputed?

    James Shearer Spare Change news Over the past few weeks, discussion has once again come up about gay marriage. It all began with conversations about North Carolina’s proposal to ban not only gay marriage but also civil unions. Somehow, this absurd proposal became state law. (Hey, can we just annex the South and move on?…

  • Back in the Closet: “Gen Silent” Explores Challenges Facing Gay Seniors

    Noelle Swan Spare Change News “Long ago we decided, to hell with hiding,” Sheri Barden told a small group gathered at the Fenway Community Health Center last month for a screening of the documentary film Gen Silent directed and produced by Stu Maddox. The 78 year-old South End framer and her partner, Lois Johnson, have…

  • Frederica M. Williams: On Expanding a Legacy and Health Facility

    Nakia Hill Spare Change News Dressed in a two-piece suit and pumps, Frederica M. Williams, President and CEO of Whittier Street Health Center, is making her mark on health care in Roxbury. Williams is contributing to a legacy that her beloved father asked her to carry out before he passed away from diabetes. “My father…

  • Echoes of racist Boston

    Last week, the Boston Bruins lost game 7 of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs to the Washington Capitals.

  • Beyond race in the Trayvon Martin case

    Anthony Thames Spare Change News On April 11, 2012, George Zimmerman was arrested and formally charged with the murder of Trayvon Martin in Seminole County, Florida. Special Prosecutor Angela Corey gave a courageous and moving press conference in which she detailed the state of Florida’s intentions to prosecute Zimmerman for second degree murder. What was…

  • Guest Editorial: How You Can Stop Abuse

    Marylou Sudders Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children April is both National Child Abuse Prevention month and Sexual Assault Awareness month. Their co-occurrence has particular significance given the number of high profile reports of sexual abuse perpetrated by individuals in positions of authority within respected institutions which have come to light in…

  • Why is this Anything Other Than Just Murder?

    Once in a while there is just that story that, for many, just doesn’t sit right. If the story sparks up enough controversy, this could not only cause large groups who are concerned to link arms, but create a political divide amongst an entire nation. The Trayvon Martin story has done just that; a boy…

  • Trayvon Martin and the Failure to See Past Race

    Anthony Thames Spare Change News On February 26, 2012, 17-yearold Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a self-appointed Neighborhood Watch captain in Sanford, Florida. News reports have somewhat described the encounter between these two individuals primarily through live audio with Mr. Zimmerman calling 911 after seeing a “suspicious person” (Martin) roaming the…