Insights into Dan Ponder Jr.'s Impact on Racial Justice and Hate Crimes in Georgia

Slide Note

Delve into the life of Dan Ponder Jr., his personal experiences with racism, and his impactful speech on hate crimes in Georgia. Learn how small acts of hate can shape our communities and the importance of taking a stand against intolerance.

ster537 Follow

Uploaded on Sep 12, 2024 | 0 Views

Download Presentation

Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.

The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

Dan Ponder Jr. Student Health & Human Services Office of Human Relations, Diversity & Equity July 2022

Would you rather... Win Live twice as long? the lottery?

Objectives Learn about Dan Ponder Jr. Review his impact on racial justice Discuss how your voice can make social change

Who is Dan Ponder Jr.? Dan Ponder Jr. was born on September 13, 1954 Like many white families during that time, his family employed a Black woman as a caretaker. This would have a large impact on him later on in life.

Time to Share Dan Ponder Jr.'s family had "employees" in their house. If you had employees in your home, what would you want them to do?

In March 2000, the Georgia legislature was debating over a bill to strengthen penalties for hate crimes. What are Hate Crimes? Thumbs Up if you know what a hate crime is.

What is a Hate Crime?

Hate Crimes in Georgia The Georgia legislature was voting on whether or not Hate Crimes should have stronger penalties than other crimes. The vote was incredibly close (83-82) and was about to be "shelved". That is when Dan Ponder Jr. got up to speak.

The Speech One day, when I was about 12 or 13, I was leaving for school. As I was walking out the door she turned to kiss me goodbye. And for some reason, I turned my head. She stopped me and she looked into my eyes with a look that absolutely burns in my memory right now and she said, You didn t kiss me because I am Black. At that instant, I knew that she was right. I denied it. I made some lame excuse about it. But I was forced, at that age, to confront a small dark part of myself Hate is all around us. It takes shape and form in ways that are somehow so small that we don t even recognize them to begin with, until they somehow become acceptable to us. It is up to us, as parents and leaders in our communities, to take a stand and to say loudly and clearly that this is just not acceptable.

Time to Share Dan Ponder Jr. Gave an impropmtu speech about something he felt passionate about. Have you ever felt moved to speak up about something you believe in?

The Outcome Ponder s speech struck a sensitive chord with his fellow lawmakers. The house, Republicans and Democrats alike, gave him two standing ovations. They re-voted and the outcome was striking. The outcome was 116-49 in favor of the bill.

Time to Share Before Ponder rose to speak, most of the representatives were already set on their opinions and their vote. Why do you think Ponder's story changed their minds? Do you think speaking up can make social change?

Profile in Courage Award On May 12, 2003 Dan Ponder Jr. Was presented Profile in Courage Award at a ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Dan was recognized for his act of political and personal courage that led to the passage of Georgia s first hate-crimes legislation. The award was presented to Dan by Ms. Caroline Kennedy who stated, "Georgia State Representative Dan Ponder proves that one voice can truly make a difference."

Time to Share DAN PONDER JR. WAS GIVEN AN AWARD FOR HIS COURAGE TO SPEAK UP, WHICH THEN MADE A DIFFERENCE THAT IMPACTED THE ENTIRE STATE LAW. DO YOU THINK WHAT HE DID MADE HIM WORTHY OF AN AWARD LIKE THIS? WHY OR WHY NOT?