Good News Tuesday for 7/21/20: New Zealand Success, Honoring Civil Rights Hero John Lewis, Sudan Takes a Stand, a New Statue, and Knighthood

July 21, 2020 by JoAnna 21 Comments

Seeking Balance One Tuesday at a Time

New Zealand Reports Zero Active Cases of COVID 19

The country of New Zealand has lifted most restrictions reporting zero active cases. This BBC article includes a video of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who told reporters she did “a little dance” when she heard the news. Great job, New Zealand! And Great job, Prime Minister Ardern!

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Honoring the Legacy of a Life Well Lived

“You never become bitter,” Lewis said. “You never become hostile. You never try to demean your opposition.”

In 1965, Congressman John Lewis was almost killed in a peaceful protest crossing a bridge in Alabama. But he lived on, persevering for many years, working for justice. He died on July 17 at the age of 80. In March of this year, he was able to attend the annual re-enactment of the bridge crossing, saying, “I’m not going to give up. I’m not going to give in.”

That bridge is currently named after a confederate general. One way to honor the legacy of Congressman John Lewis will be to rename it the John Lewis Memorial Bridge. You can read more about the legacy of this man of justice in this article from NPR.

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Sudan Criminalizes Female Genital Mutilation

A law drafted last year by Sudan’s transitional government was ratified last week banning female genital mutilation with up to three years in prison for anyone who performs the procedure.  Another amendment allows Sudanese mothers to travel with their children outside the country without permission from their spouses. Last fall, authorities overturned laws controlling dress and prohibiting women from drinking alcohol. For background and details on these changes, please read this article from PBS

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A New Statue

In Bristol, England, a new monument depicting Black Lives Matter protester Jen Reid has replaced the statue of slave trader Edward Colston. You can read more in this NPR article.

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A Knight to Remember

Congratulations to Captain Sir Tom Moore who was knighted on Friday!

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