Fighting for Justice: An American Tradition

Presenter 1: Kelli Chavez ’15; current MSW candidate at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration

Abstract: Since its inception, the United States has struggled to define what is meant by the term “justice” and for whom justice can be a reasonable expectation in American life. Based on a 2015 SALT Shaker blog post, entitled “What is Justice?”, this TED Talk-inspired presentation will discuss the concept of justice in the United States from the Founding Fathers through the present day. This talk will reference contemporary justice movements (Black Lives Matter, California Prison Strike, etc.) as a way to illustrate why continually refining the American concept of justice is an important discussion not only for the communities advocating for justice but also for those who may be skeptical or disapproving of these movements. By understanding how the exclusive application of and the continued struggle for justice is a hallmark of social and political life in America, this presenter hopes current and future activists will recognize themselves as members of a long-standing tradition and will continue working to achieve social justice for themselves and their fellow Americans.