7th Grade Updates
September
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September |
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ELA |
The 7th graders read a new short story “The Necklace.” They reviewed the three types of irony and found evidence of each in the short story. They practiced vocabulary strategies, context clues and also identified the plot elements of the text. The students drafted a compare and contrast essay using “The Necklace” and “The Open Window” or “The Monkey's Paw” in their graphic organizer. They learned how to write a compare and contrast thesis statement as well. |
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Math |
Unit 2, Dilations, Similarity and Slope We use dilations in everyday life to make objects smaller or bigger, like printing pictures in different sizes or zooming in and out on our phone screens. Unlike rigid transformations, dilations change the dimensions of a shape. Students will learn how dilations can help determine similarity and how similarity can help understand slope. Essential Questions:
Link to CareGiver Hub, where Unit Summaries and Practice can be found. |
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Science |
7th grade class explored a biology SEPUP Inquiry Unit, “Reproduction”. Through the use of the 8 NGSS Science & Engineering Practices, the class explored how scientific understanding of biological reproduction of all living things has led to cutting-edge advancements in medical technology such as genetic engineering and gene therapy to treat serious health conditions. For more information, please check out this link with a detailed explanation of how the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices are scaffolded by grade bands from K - 12 classrooms. |
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Social Studies |
Essential Question(s):
Seventh graders kicked off the year by diving into questions of identity—who we are, how we’re seen, and how identity has shaped American history. Through thoughtful discussions and interactive activities, students examined how stereotypes and labels influence our everyday interactions and the way we understand one another. Building on these conversations, students explored Indigenous and Native identities, uncovering the often-overlooked stories and contributions of Native peoples in shaping what it means to be American. By connecting personal reflection with historical inquiry, students began to see how diverse identities and experiences weave together to form the complex fabric of our nation’s past and present. |
October
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October |
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ELA |
1013 7th graders chose and read their first book club novels about identity for their first assignment. They completed a summary and revised and edited them with a partner. They are looking forward to their first discussion next week. They began their first vocabulary assessments which are differentiated by levels. 1011 7th graders read and annotated the graphic novel March and paired it with another fictional novel so they can compare and contrast the two texts. They also began their first vocabulary assessments which are differentiated by levels. Both classes had great discussions with their groups regarding a poem called “Duty.” They also read a new short story written by Egar Allen Poe. They previewed the text and vocabulary words. They also took notes about Poe’s life and reviewed symbolism. |
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Math |
In this unit (3), Proportional and Linear Relationships, student learn that the slope of a line tells us about its steepness, but that it can reveal even more. A simple line on a graph holds endless information. A line can tell us what’s faster: a tortoise or a hare. It can help us sort coins in a piggy bank. It can even help us determine how many cups a water cooler can fill. Students explore proportional and linear relationships, and learn all about what a line can represent! Essential Questions:
Link to CareGiver Hub, where Unit Summaries and Practice can be found. |
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Science |
NGSS Standards & Disciplinary Core Ideas:
7th grade class completed their biology SEPUP Unit, Reproduction, and then moved right into their second unit, Ecology. The students began to explore the relationships between living things and their nonliving components of their environments via case studies from Africa and right here in the Great Lakes with introduced species and their impact on native ecosystems. The students see it firsthand everyday with our classroom aquarium that mimics a local Lake Michigan harbor and includes the invasive introduced gobi fish species interacting with native bass, bluegill, mussels, and crayfish. The class also spent time to work on STEM Fair Project Assignments: their initial research on their chosen topics of inquiry, and developing solid purpose and hypothesis statements. |
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Social Studies |
Essential Question(s):
In our 7th grade Civics/Social Studies unit, students explored how the diverse origins of the United States shaped the nation’s many identities. They examined how African, Spanish, English, and Indigenous peoples each influenced what it meant to be American, bringing their own cultures, traditions, and perspectives to the developing colonies. Through historical stories, primary sources, and discussion, students considered the many factors that shape how we see ourselves and others, discovering that identity in America has always been complex, evolving, and deeply connected to our shared history. |
November
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November |
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ELA |
The seventh graders chose Refugee, Santiago’s Road Home, or Enrique's Journey to read. They randomly chose their country for their MUN position paper and are researching. They are writing summaries, character trait charts, and completing plot slides on their chosen novel. They are also researching their country’s immigration and refugee laws for their MUN essay. Students are reviewing MLA format and conducting many discussions. They will continue to research next month as well. |
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Math |
In their current unit (4), Linear Equations and Linear Systems, we will use equations to help understand and solve problems. So far, students have solved single variable equations where the variable is on one side. In this unit, students solve equations with variables on both sides. They’ll also solve two linear equations in a system and determine how many solutions there are. Essential Questions: How can you solve an equation with variables on both sides of the equal sign? How can systems of equations be used to represent situations and solve problems? What does it mean for an equation or system of equations to have no, one, or infinitely many solutions? Link to CareGiver Hub, where Unit Summaries and Practice can be found. |
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Science |
NGSS Standards & Disciplinary Core Ideas:
7th grade class continued exploring their SEPUP Inquiry unit, Ecology. Students worked in small cooperative groups sharpening their skills with analyzing and interpreting data from ecological studies on various species located in different locations across the globe. They engaged in argument from evidence to predict future population densities of species based upon trends in the data they investigated. The students see it firsthand everyday with our classroom aquarium that mimics a local Lake Michigan harbor and includes the invasive introduced gobi fish species interacting with native bass, bluegill, mussels, and crayfish, along with other terrariums with a frog and tadpole, and our pet bearded dragon lizard, Tobias II, who is native to Australian desert ecosystems. The class also spent time to work on STEM Fair Project Assignments: working on their literature review which is a summary of their research on their chosen inquiry topics; review of how to collect, record, analyze, and interpret their data by creating organized tables and graphs; and finished up the experimentation phase of their projects to begin organizing their presentation boards to present to their class in early December. |
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Social Studies |
Essential Question(s):
This month, our 7th graders began exploring how the identities of the United States—and the people who live here—have been shaped by many diverse origins. Students examined three key enduring understandings:
Through primary sources, discussions, and identity-focused activities, students investigated how cultural backgrounds, migration stories, traditions, and historical experiences influence the way individuals understand themselves and contribute to the broader American identity. |
December
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December |
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ELA |
In December, the 7th grade students continued their second novel study while strengthening their reading comprehension, writing, and analytical skills. Students read novels such as Refugee, Enrique’s Journey, and Santiago’s Road Home, and completed discussion packets and summaries to demonstrate their understanding of the texts. They practiced revising and editing their written summaries with partners to improve clarity, grammar, and organization. Students also participated in class discussions that required them to analyze key ideas and respond thoughtfully to the reading. Mini lessons throughout the month focused on grammar, reasoning, and the use of imagery in writing. As part of the novel unit, students completed a character trait chart to analyze how characters develop throughout the story. They also created plot slides to visually explain important events and the structure of the narrative. In addition, students worked on a Model United Nations graphic organizer to prepare for their position papers. Students had opportunities to continue reading their novels, work on narrative writing, and strengthen their literary analysis skills. The class also listened to the short story “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry and discussed its themes of sacrifice and generosity. Overall, December focused on reading comprehension, writing revision, literary analysis, and connecting literature to larger global topics. |
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Math |
In their current unit (4), Linear Equations and Linear Systems, students will learn that equations can help you understand and solve problems. So far, they’ve solved single variable equations where the variable is on one side. In this unit, they’ll solve equations with variables on both sides. They’ll also solve two linear equations in a system and determine how many solutions there are. Essential Questions: How can you solve an equation with variables on both sides of the equal sign? How can systems of equations be used to represent situations and solve problems? What does it mean for an equation or system of equations to have no, one, or infinitely many solutions? Link to CareGiver Hub, where Unit Summaries and Practice can be found. |
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Science |
NGSS Standards & Disciplinary Core Ideas: ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems
Students in grade 7 worked in the final stages of their chosen STEM Fair Inquiry Projects. As they presented to their classmates, and then to STEM professionals at our school STEM Fair, students practiced all of the NGSS Science & Engineering Practices: From defining a problem, designing and carrying out their investigation, analyze & interpet their data, to finally presenting to their classmates “obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information.” Congratulations to Ryan, Preston, Zoe, Niko, Anjali for advancing to the CPS Citywide STEM Fair, and Zoe, Niko, and Anjali for advancing to the IL State STEM Fair! |
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Social Studies |
Essential Questions:
This unit asks students to explore a central question: How do different fights for liberty define our history? Through an investigation of the American Revolution and other movements for freedom, students examine how individuals and groups challenge systems of power, privilege, and oppression. They also consider how “revolutionary” the American Revolution truly was and how people throughout history have used specific tactics to achieve their goals and bring about change. This work helps students understand that the fight for liberty is ongoing—and that ordinary people have always played a role in shaping a more just society. |
January
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January |
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ELA |
In January, the 7th grade students focused on strengthening their writing, reading comprehension, and analytical skills while beginning preparations for Model United Nations (MUN). Students reviewed important narrative writing elements such as plot structure and rising action while completing story activities and narrative writing assignments. Mini lessons also focused on paraphrasing and accountability in writing, helping students improve how they summarize and explain ideas in their own words. Throughout the month, students worked on a Model United Nations graphic organizer and developed their MUN position papers, which were later revised, edited with partners, and published. Students collaborated with peers to review their work and improve the clarity and strength of their arguments. The class also practiced IAR-style reading and writing through guided review activities and partner practice, helping students prepare for state assessments. Students completed reading comprehension practice and self-paced IAR assignments to strengthen analytical writing skills. In addition, students took the STAR 360 assessment to measure reading growth and progress. Some students also prepared arguments and evidence for debate competitions. Throughout the month, students had opportunities to continue working on creative narrative writing during independent work time. Overall, January emphasized writing development, collaboration, test preparation, and building research and argument skills through the Model United Nations project. |
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Math |
In their current unit (5), Functions and Volume, students will will learn about functions for the first time. They will analyze representations of functions, and examine functions in the context of the volume of cylinders, cones, and spheres. Essential Questions: What makes a relationship a function? How are functions useful in representing situations? What are some relationships between a cylinder, a cone, and a sphere with common dimensions? Link to CareGiver Hub, where Unit Summaries and Practice can be found. |
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Science |
7th Grade Class began their SEPUP Biological Science Inquiry Unit: Evolution. Students explored the NGSS Topics of: ESS1.C: The History of Planet Earth
LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity
LS4.B: Natural SelectionLS4.C: AdaptationStudents completed some hands on investigations on:
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Social Studies |
Essential Question(s):
In our unit of study this month, students examined the founding ideals of the United States by asking whether the promises of the Declaration of Independence were fulfilled for different groups in the early nation. Using a range of primary sources, they compared the Declaration’s vision of equality with the lived experiences of women, enslaved people, Indigenous nations, and others. Students also explored how the Founders—and everyday people—grappled with questions of power, privilege, and oppression. Throughout the unit, they considered how individuals can challenge unjust systems and push a nation to live up to its stated ideals. |
February
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February |
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ELA |
In February, the 7th grade students explored poetry, essay writing, debate, and short story analysis while continuing to strengthen their reading and writing skills. At the beginning of the month, students participated in Model United Nations (MUN) classroom debates, practicing public speaking, collaboration, and argument development. Students also continued working on IAR-style reading and writing practice to strengthen their analytical skills and prepare for state assessments. The class studied poetry by learning about rhyme, iambic pentameter, and the structure of Petrarchan sonnets. Students analyzed the poem The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus and completed reading and analysis activities to better understand its themes and historical context. Students also wrote and published their own Petrarchan sonnets and prepared them for a poetry celebration. In addition, mini lessons focused on essay structure so students could better organize claims, evidence, and counterclaims in their writing. Later in the month, students began studying the short story The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe. They practiced annotating the text, analyzing plot structure with a plot mountain, and completing evidence-based responses. Students also researched Poe’s life by completing a biography activity. Throughout the month, students participated in talking circles, gallery walks, and peer revision activities to strengthen collaboration and discussion skills. Overall, February focused on poetry analysis, argumentative writing, literary analysis, and public speaking through debate and collaborative activities. |
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Math |
In their current unit (6), Associations in Data, students will learn that data is one way we make sense of the world around us. Organizing and displaying data can allow us to describe trends and make predictions. In this unit, students will investigate data points that represent two pieces of information. Essential Questions: What is a scatter plot and what can it tell you? How can lines help you model data on a scatter plot? How can you analyze data with two variables that are categories instead of numbers? Link to CareGiver Hub, where Unit Summaries and Practice can be found. |
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Science |
7th Grade Class continued their SEPUP Biological Science Inquiry Unit: Evolution. Students explored the NGSS Topics of: ESS1.C: The History of Planet Earth
LS4.A: Evidence of Common Ancestry and Diversity
LS4.B: Natural SelectionLS4.C: AdaptationStudents completed some hands on investigations on:
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Social Studies |
Essential Question(s):
Students began a new unit using the Teaching Hard History framework to study the history and impact of slavery in North America. They learned that slavery, practiced by Europeans before they invaded the Americas, became central to all colonial powers and existed in every North American colony. Students examined how slavery and the transatlantic slave trade drove economic growth and how protections for slavery were built into the nation’s founding documents, giving enslavers significant political power from 1787 to 1860. They also studied slavery as an institution designed to generate profit through violence, control, and racism. Throughout the unit, students highlighted the many ways enslaved people resisted. As the unit continues, they will further explore resistance, the fight for freedom, and how the system of slavery ultimately sparked the Civil War. |
March
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March |
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ELA |
In March, the 7th grade students focused on studying Edgar Allan Poe’s works, especially “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Raven.” They completed assignments such as annotations, plot analysis, a sanity vs. insanity packet, and a creative movie poster project. Students also developed debate skills by writing contentions, preparing arguments, and practicing with partners using crossfire questions and summaries. Throughout the month, they worked on narrative writing and completed a poetry celebration, along with IAR testing at the beginning of the month. Overall, students strengthened their reading, writing, and speaking skills through literary analysis and collaborative activities. |
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Math |
In their next unit (7), Exponents and Scientific Notation, students will see how exponents, properties of exponents, and powers of 10 will be used to solve problems involving scales, city lights, and net worth. Essential Questions: How can you use the properties of exponents to make connections between expressions? What is scientific notation and how can it be used to represent small and large numbers? Link to CareGiver Hub, where Unit Summaries and Practice can be found. |
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Science |
Students learned lessons from the CPS Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Curriculum. Highlights included standards related to human anatomy of the male and female reproductive systems; ways to prevent contacting and spreading STD’s; pregnancy; identity; relationships; and resources. Right before spring break and once back to exploring SEPUP, the students did a lab experiment with learning the proper techniques for preparing their own slides of onion and celery cell specimens to view under our microscopes. |
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Social Studies |
Essential Question(s):
Students began a powerful unit on the long struggle to end slavery and expand rights for African Americans. They studied early acts of resistance—including the Stono Rebellion, Denmark Vesey, and Nat Turner and will be examining how abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, the Grimké sisters, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Chicago activists John and Mary Jones worked to build a national movement for freedom. Students also began researching Illinois connections to the Underground Railroad, developing an interactive presentation showcasing the pathways to freedom in our state. In our next unit, students will explore the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the 13th–15th Amendments, as well as the opportunities and barriers African Americans faced during Reconstruction. Students will conclude by comparing these historical struggles for political leadership with similar challenges that exist today across race, gender, orientation, gender identity, and class. |
April
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April |
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ELA |
During the month of April, 7th grade students studied several works by Edgar Allan Poe. Students analyzed literary elements such as irony, suspense, theme, tone, characterization, and point of view through annotations, discussions, debates, assessments, and creative writing activities. Later in the month, students began reading and analyzing “The Lady, or the Tiger?” by Frank R. Stockton, focusing on character motivation, internal conflict, and making evidence-based claims about the story’s ending. Students also worked on narrative writing, completed a Poe Remix project, participated in STAR 360 testing, and continued developing their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills through class discussions, assessments, and written responses. |
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Math |
Current unit (7) → Exponents and Scientific Notation Numbers and operations with numbers can be represented in many different ways. How can you represent very large or very small numbers? How can you work with these numbers? In this unit, you will see how exponents, properties of exponents, and powers of 10 will be used to solve problems involving scales, city lights, and net worth. Essential Questions: How can you use the properties of exponents to make connections between expressions? What is scientific notation and how can it be used to represent small and large numbers? Link to CareGiver Hub, where Unit Summaries and Practice can be found. |
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Science |
This month, the middle school science students explored the vital process of pollination through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on gardening. Students examined how plants reproduce and looked at the unique ways flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies to help ecosystems thrive. Taking their lessons outside, the classes spent time working directly in the garden-preparing the soil and planting to create a welcoming habitat for local wildlife. By combining environmental science with outdoor fieldwork, students gained a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and learned firsthand how taking care of a local garden supports the health of the broader environment. |
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Social Studies |
Essential Question(s):
Students explored the long struggle to end slavery and expand basic rights for African Americans. They studied early acts of resistance—such as the Stono Rebellion—and learned about major leaders who challenged injustice and inspired change. They examined the Abolitionist Movement, focusing on the strategies reformers used to build support and shift public opinion. Students also investigated the role of the Underground Railroad, including Chicago’s place in this network. The unit continued through the Civil War and Reconstruction, as students analyzed the impact of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. They evaluated the challenges African Americans faced in gaining economic stability and political leadership during Reconstruction. Finally, students connected past struggles to the present by comparing historical barriers to leadership with those that exist today related to race, gender, orientation, gender identity, and class. |
May
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May |
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ELA |
During the month of May, 7th grade students completed their study of "The Lady, or the Tiger?" by analyzing character motivation, internal conflict, and supporting claims with textual evidence. Students also participated in a poetry unit in which they analyzed a variety of poems, explored poetic meaning and imagery, viewed poetry-related videos, and created mask art projects inspired by poetry. In addition, students reviewed Greek and Latin roots, completed reading comprehension assessments, and continued working on narrative writing and independent reading. Toward the end of the month, students completed the REACH assessment, learned how to write an artist statement, and connected literature and art through the poem "Dreams." The month concluded with grammar review activities, reflection on learning, and the completion of final projects and assignments. |
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Math |
Current unit (8) → The Pythagorean Theorem and Irrational Numbers There are lots of different types of triangles. What is the relationship between the sides of a right triangle? To answer this, a representation for the edge length of a square is needed. In this unit, you’ll explore how side lengths of right triangles are related, and learn about new types of numbers. Essential Questions: How can you estimate the square root of a number? What does the square root of a numberrepresent? Is it true that leg2 + leg2 = hypotenuse2 for all right triangles? If so, can you prove it? What is the difference between a rational number and an irrational number? Link to CareGiver Hub, where Unit Summaries and Practice can be found. |
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Science |
For our May science update, Northwestern University Brain Awareness Outreach (NUBAO) visited our school to wrap up the month with an incredible, high-energy look at neuroscience. Led by graduate and PhD students from Northwestern, this interactive presentation brought the mysteries of the brain to life for our middle schoolers through hands-on activities, models, and real-world science demonstrations. Students explored how brain cells communicate, learned about the nervous system, and even discovered the importance of brain safety and habits that keep our minds healthy. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to connect directly with working scientists, capping off May with lots of curiosity, unforgettable "aha!" moments, and a newfound excitement for STEM. |
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Social Studies |
Essential Question(s)
Students continued their study of Reconstruction and how the United States struggled to rebuild after the Civil War. Building on that foundation, they examined major fights against discrimination and inequality throughout history. Our work focused on the tactics individuals and groups used to resist unfair treatment and push for reform. Students also learned that reform movements often face challenges, not only from those in power, but sometimes from within the movements themselves. One of the case studies in this unit is the fight for women’s rights. Students will explore the laws that helped expand women’s rights, as well as the people who resisted these changes. Through articles and historical sources, they analyzed how reformers organized, how opponents responded, and how these debates shaped the world we live in today. As they move through the unit, students continued to consider how people throughout history have worked to create a more just society and how those efforts connect to ongoing struggles for equality. |