Beth Finneran

Passionate HS history teacher, cyclist, and advocate for public education and justice. “Study the past if you would define the future. “ - Confucius.

[Be A King @BerniceKing]

62 years ago today, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law.

It was not a gift. It was won through courage, sacrifice, organizing, marching, and the refusal to accept legalized discrimination.

But civil rights laws do not protect us by merely existing. They must be enforced, defended, and strengthened.

Today, those protections are being threatened by efforts to weaken enforcement, dismantle equity work, restrict voting power, and distort history. We cannot honor the Civil Rights Act while being passive about efforts to undermine it.

We must stay informed. We must vote. We must pay attention to courts, legislatures, school boards, executive orders, and policies that shape people’s lives.

Freedom is not self-sustaining. Justice must be guarded by every generation.

#CivilRightsAct #MLK #Vote #Nonviolence365 #BelovedCommunity

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

@USMNT @ussoccer @FIFAWorldCup So is the U.S. going to shake Bosnia’s hand? Isn’t that good sportsmanship? I hope it happens or I won’t be able to enjoy the victory. More than ever we need to be gracious on the world stage.

[Be A King @BerniceKing]

Participation matters because democracy depends on it.

In moments of unrest and division, we do not step back. We step in.

Engage in your community. Stay informed. Vote. Hold leaders accountable. Speak truth. Organize where you are.

Nonviolence is not passive. It is active, disciplined participation in shaping a more just society.

The question is not whether this moment matters. It is how we will show up in it.

#MLK #Nonviolence365 #BelovedCommunity

[Be A King @BerniceKing]

On April 3, 1968, the night before he was assassinated, my father delivered what would be his final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.”

He spoke with a clarity that came from conviction, not certainty. He acknowledged the difficulty of the days ahead, yet he was not moved by fear. He was anchored in purpose and in a faith that justice would prevail.

What stands out to me is not only what he said, but how he said it. He was preparing people to stay committed, to stay disciplined, and to continue the work, even without him.

His words are not just history. They are instruction.

Watch the full speech: https://t.co/o3QZvVc4GT

#MLK #BelovedCommunity #Nonviolence365

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

U2 made a statement and wrote this song in honor of Renee Good. https://t.co/U14ytMcM0V

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

@BerniceKing May Dexter and your mom, Coretta Scott King rest in peace and may your memories of them fill you with love and strength. ❤️🙏

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

March 5, 1770- British troops fired into a crowd of Boston citizens gathered to protest the presence of British troops in their city. The soldiers murdered 5 colonists. The event became known as the Boston Massacre which led to The American Revolution.

[Be A King @BerniceKing]

A cartoon about my father from the 1960s. At the time he was assassinated, a poll reflected that he was one of the most hated men in the United States.

Today, his message has been distorted by many who would have hated him then, but evoke him now to deter justice and truth.

#MLKDay #MLK #TheKingCenter #HistoryMatters #ReThinkKing

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

@BerniceKing So beautiful! Thank you for sharing him with all of us!❤️

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

https://t.co/FewwXXOCuD

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

Thank you to our leaders for championing public education and creating opportunities that strengthen communities across New York. Together, we’re building a stronger future for all! https://t.co/UUIjx3jX8H

[Be A King @BerniceKing]

70 years ago today, the Montgomery Bus Boycott began—a powerful act of collective courage that reshaped a nation. For many, it is remembered as the beginning of a global movement. For my family, it was also the beginning of a completely new path.

#BusBoycott70# Nonviolence365

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

@Variety Jesus died on the cross at 33 and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence at 33. Look at the impact they had. 😄

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

For all my fellow history nerds… in one hour… Ken Burns’ The American Revolution series begins!!!😄 Check out your local PBS channel.

https://t.co/qjBbVwvmbX

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

@historyrock_ Imagine!

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

So grateful to the New York State Park System that enabled me to enjoy this beautiful view of the Hudson River! I❤️NY!

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

Tell Governor Hochul to stand up for free access to books and ideas—urge her to sign S.1099/A.7777 to protect New York’s school and public libraries from censorship. https://t.co/DRxvHGWe66

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

“He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.”

One of the grievances against King George that the colonists listed in The Declaration of Independence in 1776.

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

I visited The National Museum of African American History and Culture yesterday. As a historian, it makes me proud to see such a high level of research and scholarship. This museum is a national treasure. I’ll go back for the art, music, and culture exhibits which look amazing.

[Beth Finneran @bethfinneran14]

@usedgov One of George Washington’s goals was to create a national university where college education could be free. Thomas Jefferson’s proudest accomplishment was creating the University of Virginia. A truly great leader and nation makes higher education accessible to all.