social justice

Benin Bronzes on exhibit at the British Museum.

Germany plans to return looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. Will other countries follow suit?

For many inside and outside of Africa, the Benin Bronzes are symbols of colonialism and exploitation, and they’ll stay that way until they’re returned.

Germany plans to return looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria. Will other countries follow suit?
Zimbabwean American singer, poet and activist Shungudzo says she finds an outlet for her activism through music.

Artist Shungudzo feels an urgency to 'use her words' to fight against racism

Artist Shungudzo feels an urgency to 'use her words' to fight against racism
White nationalists carry torches on the grounds of the University of Virginia, on the eve of a planned Unite The Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, US August 11, 2017. Picture taken August 11, 2017.

Four things ordinary people can do to counter hate after Charlottesville

Four things ordinary people can do to counter hate after Charlottesville
Tavis Smiley and Muhammad Ali speak during a TV interview.

Muhammad Ali helped Tavis Smiley reconnect with his own father

Muhammad Ali helped Tavis Smiley reconnect with his own father
NYC dam protest

Key dam funders withdraw support after murders in Honduras

Key dam funders withdraw support after murders in Honduras
Phillipine police block protesters from marching within sight of Pope Francis' motorcade in Manila on January 15, 2015.

How the Philippines hid social justice issues from Pope Francis

Pope Francis brought a "Mercy and Compassion" theme to the Philippines during his five-day visit. But despite the huge crowds that flocked to see the pontiff and celebrate Mass, activists say real issues of social justice were hidden from Francis by the government.

How the Philippines hid social justice issues from Pope Francis
Protesters took to the streets of midtown Manhattan and other American cities after a New York City grand jury decided not to charge white police officer Daniel Pantaleo whose chokehold contributed to the death of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man. The US

Despite South Africa's successful black middle class, there's still incredible tension between police and poor black communities

Excessive use of force, the death of an unarmed black man in police custody, and a justice system that seems to favor the police. It sounds too familiar to a South African living in New York.

Despite South Africa's successful black middle class, there's still incredible tension between police and poor black communities
An anti-World Cup "Roman" takes a breather after hours of singing and dancing at a Rio carnival party.

At Rio's carnival, as long as you're dancing, why not make it a protest

This year, Rio's Carnival features protests masquerading as street parties. Protesters are upset about how much the country is spending to host the World Cup.

At Rio's carnival, as long as you're dancing, why not make it a protest
Shyima Hall at her home in Banning, California

A 10-year-old Egyptian girl was taken to California — and lived as a slave

When Shyima Hall was little, dinner was often a piece of bread split with three of her siblings. But she says she was happy. All that changed when her mom left her with a rich family, gave her up, to pay off a debt.

A 10-year-old Egyptian girl was taken to California — and lived as a slave
Dominican students

Dominicans argue over a court ruling that strips citizenship from many born in the country

In September of 2013, a high court in the Dominican Republic ruled that Dominicans with an immigrant ancestor who came without legal papers are no longer automatically citizens — even if they were born in the country. It's a controversial decision that is creating arguments in the country and outside.

Dominicans argue over a court ruling that strips citizenship from many born in the country
A group of young Roma students goof off in the hallway of Šarišské Michaľany elementary school.

Roma kids are no longer separate and unequal, but integration doesn't exactly make them feel welcomed

The Roma minority face marginalization and exclusion across Europe, but activists say the situation for Slovakian Roma is among the worst. One school is taking on the task of integrating some of the once-segregated Roma children into classes.

Roma kids are no longer separate and unequal, but integration doesn't exactly make them feel welcomed
Thanksgiving Obamacare

Obama's having trouble fitting his turkey into the oven this year

Obama's health care turkey requires some heavy lifting this season. We look at immigrants, both those puzzling over US traditions and one just passing through from the Oort Cloud. And North Koreans may have a new export for the US, albeit an illegal one. All that and more, in today's Global Scan.

Obama's having trouble fitting his turkey into the oven this year

A Pacific islands man says climate change makes him a refugee from his home

Kiribati is threatened by rising sea levels. The flat, Pacific Island nation could be inundated if oceans rise, forcing most, if not all, of its 100,000 residents out of their homes. One man, anticipating that day, is looking to relocate as a refugee.

A Pacific islands man says climate change makes him a refugee from his home

Ending the secret lives of being both gay and undocumented

Undocumented immigrants who are gay or lesbian face coming out of the closet twice: both as gay or lesbian, and as an undocumented immigrant. For one man in California, the Supreme Court's dismissal of DOMA let him come out for the second time.

Ending the secret lives of being both gay and undocumented

As Washington careens toward shutdown, Saudi cleric tries to keep women from careening anywhere

A Saudi Arabian cleric is making waves in his effort to keep women off the roads — by arguing that they'll damage their ovaries if they do. Women in the rest of the world must surely be puzzled by that argument. All that and more in today's Global Scan.

As Washington careens toward shutdown, Saudi cleric tries to keep women from careening anywhere