USING MY WORD POWER: Advocating For A More Civilized Society, Book III: Justice and Equality

by Janice S. Ellis

This is Book III, Justice and Equality, in the Real Advocacy Journalism ® series. Book I focused on Ethics and Values (2022). Book II addressed Patriotism and Politics (2024). Books I and II have received and continue to receive great editorial and customer reviews.I have been an advocate journalist for more than four decades.

The writings of an advocate journalist always boil down, directly, or indirectly, intentionally, or unintentionally, to a plea—imploring the reader or listener to think, to consider the facts, the circumstances, the workable solutions for the issues at hand, and when appropriate and necessary to engage in action.

I have primarily addressed some of the most enduring issues when it comes to justice and equality of our times. But I have also addressed the temporal—pressing matters of the hour.

All commentaries, written over the decades, have been chosen for their enduring relevancy in terms of their subject matter's timeliness or timelessness . Many represent historical accounts of defining moments, incidents, and issues that have had lasting impacts and lessons learned.
They have been written for a large radio station, a major metropolitan daily newspaper, and community newspapers, and are currently online.

In my writings, I have endeavored to practice the tenets of Real Advocacy Journalism® —stick to the facts, analyze them, put an event, situation, or issue into perspective to foster a better understanding and provide direction to form an opinion or pursue an action. Real Advocacy Journalism® is the focus of my book, Shaping Public How Real Advocacy Journalism® Should Be Practiced (2021).

My hope is that in sharing my attempt to improve understanding about issues that impact us all, you will be informed, enlightened, inspired, and have reaffirmation that our words and actions are what advance a more civilized and better society.

270 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2025

About the author

Janice S. Ellis, M.A., M.A., Ph.D., is an award-winning author of six books and an award-winning columnist.

A native daughter of Mississippi, she grew up and came of age during the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s Liberation Movement. Born and reared on a small cotton farm, she was influenced by two converging forces that would set the course of her life.

The first was the fear and terror felt by Blacks because they were seeking to exercise the right to vote, along with other rights and privileges afforded to whites. She became determined to take a stand and not accept the limits of that farm life nor the strictures of oppressive racial segregation and gender inequality. She aspired to have and achieve a different kind of life, not only for herself but for others.

The second was her love of books, the power of words, and her exposure to renowned columnists Eric Sevareid of The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite and Walter Lippmann, whose column appeared for more than three decades in over 250 major newspapers across the United States and another 50 newspapers in Europe.

Dr. Ellis has been an executive throughout her career, first in government, then in a large pharmaceutical company, later as President and CEO of a marketing firm, and as President and CEO of a bi-state non-profit child advocacy agency. Along with those positions, she has been writing columns for nearly five decades on race, politics, education, and other social issues for a major metropolitan daily newspaper, a major metropolitan business journal, and for community newspapers. She wrote radio commentary for two years for one of the largest ABC radio affiliates in Wisconsin and subsequently wrote and delivered a two-minute spot on the two largest Arbitron-rated radio stations in the Greater Kansas City area. She has also written for several national trade publications, focusing on healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.

Currently, she is a columnist for the Missouri Independent. She has her own website, JaniceSEllis.com, which houses a collection of her writings and where she continues to write commentary.

Dr. Ellis is an award-winning author of six books. Her most recent book, USING MY WORD POWER: Advocating For A More Civilized Society, Book III: Justice and Equality (2025), is the third book in the Real Advocacy Journalism® series; Book II: Patriotism and Politics (2024). Both books were First-Place winners of the Nellie Bly Nonfiction Journalism Award, received and continue to receive great editorial and customer reviews.

From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream (2018) and the New Edition (2023). Both have received national and international awards, great editorial reviews, and continue to receive great customer reviews.

USING MY WORD POWER: Advocating For A More Civilized Society (2022) has received great editorial reviews and was a First-Place winner of the Nellie Bly Nonfiction Journalism Award. It also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association Book Award in the Nonfiction – Social Science/Political Science/Culture category.

Shaping Public Opinion: How Real Advocacy Journalism™ Should Be Practiced (2021) won the Nellie Bly Nonfiction Journalism Award and the Gold Medal Award for nonfiction books from the Non-Fiction Author Association. It has received great national editorial reviews and continues to receive great customer reviews.

Follow her on Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube

Reviews

[Bookreviews by Cynthia]

Using My Word Power: Advocating for a More Civilized Society. Book lll: Justice and Equality by advocate journalist Dr. Janice S. Ellis is a powerful book that takes a stand against systemic inequity.

As a woman, and a Black woman specifically, Ellis is no stranger to inequality. She grew up in Mississippi during the climax of the civil rights movement. The injustice and violence she saw strengthened her resolve. The book is divided into four parts: Women and inequality, Blacks and inequality, Our children, and Education. In the first part, she talks about corporate bias, women inequality, sexual harassment, motherhood, and more. In the second part, she focuses on racism and shows how it affects laws, society, and the economy for Black Americans. In the third part, she looks at how society and other factors affect children’s development. In the last part, Ellis tackles the systematic failures of the educational system.

Honestly, this book is pretty intense. It is a reality check because it shows you that these are ongoing issues and not just stories in history books. They affect people every day. Each part is equally powerful and sheds light on these prevailing issues. Ellis makes us see the ugly parts of society that the media disguises. She shows us why we cannot afford to keep ignoring it.

It is heartbreaking that women’s equality is still being fought for. It is actually wild to think about the fact that it took women in America 150 years just to get the basic right to vote. There are still a lot of spaces where women cannot move forward. We have to work twice as hard before we get what men get effortlessly.

This is a refreshing and eye-opening book that will expose readers to things they may overlook. Ellis’ writing is beautiful and powerful. She talks about these pressing issues in a deeply personal way. It is easy to understand and real. Every sentence has weight, and it left me with a lasting impression.

Ellis uses this book to advocate for a change. Hopefully, we can get to a time where these issues have come to an end. This book deserves 5 out of 5 stars, and it is for anyone who wants to think critically about the world we live in.

[Mimeso]

It took me longer than expected to get through this book, not because it lacks substance, but
because each column reflects society’s reality so powerfully, from sexual discrimination and
harassment of women at work to the shocking tales of actresses enduring abuse at the hands
of producers and directors. These are stories we still see today. One of such stories was the
killing of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown by law enforcement officers, news that made
headlines and even catalyzed the Black Lives Matter movement, but today it seems the
agitations have been drowned out, and little has changed in either the White House or the United
States Congress.

This is the book 3 in the Real Advocacy Journalism Series of USING MY WORD POWER:
Advocating for a More Civilized Society titled Justice and Equality by Dr. Janice S. Ellis. It is a
combination of different columns that begins, with the introduction, a brief tale of the author's
childhood as a Black girl growing up in Mississippi during the 1950s and 1960s, at the height of
civil rights violations, especially against women and Black people. Her personal encounters with
the Ku Klux Klan and systemic discrimination against Black people and how those have shaped
her into the brilliant advocate journalist she is today. This book is a call to humanity: to stop
being nonchalant and act in the fight for justice and equality, a fight where, even in modern
times, little has been done to make it a reality.

Across the different columns on women; Black identity; inequality; children; and education
published over different periods, the reader feels the author’s passionate cry for real change. Dr. Ellis envisions a more civilized society where fairness prevails and racism is unheard of, reminding us that we are all human. She even addresses actions still considered normal, like
listing race on application forms, to show how easily we accept discriminatory practices. By that
reasoning, she tackles topics many find uncomfortable but which must be confronted.

[Genevieve.C.N]

Janice S. Ellis’s Book III: Justice and Equality, ‘Using My Word Power: Advocating for a More Civilized Society,’ is a compilation of commentaries on the issues of inequality faced by women and Black people. She understands justice is not just handed over; it is demanded and, where necessary, fought for. This book is a sort of wake-up call to women who choose to keep their heads down and hope for change. To them she says, "Until women are clear and confident about what it means to be valued as a woman personally and professionally, those men who have been indoctrinated to disrespect, disregard and be comfortable speaking and behaving badly toward women will continue to do so."

I love that Janice speaks the truth others shy away from: the truth that women's challenges are usually glossed over by their male counterparts, either due to ignorance or simply because they do not care. Women fought valiantly to be able to enjoy basic things that have always been available to men- from voting to owning property to working. Despite recent progress, there is still room for improvements. Janice uses this channel to amplify the voices of women in a bid to enlighten the ignorant and give the world no other choice but to address these issues.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.This book is a reminder that those who ignore history are bound to repeat it. Women and Black people have come a long way to gain access to education and freedom to pursue their interests. However, there is still work to be done until we have achieved equality for all. We are all humans and, as such, should be able to go anywhere in the world and receive fair treatment.I had no dislikes and recommend this book to women who want to find their voice and to anyone interested in social justice and equality, as this book provides great insights, enlightenment, and fine points to ponder.

[Book Addict]

Using My Word Power Book III—Justice and equality by Janice S. Ellis advocates for a more civilized society. In the book, she covers areas of inequality, racism, education, women's rights, and the treatment of children.

The segment “Women and Equality” was so enlightening, especially for a young woman like me, as the writer talked about the barriers women face in society and issues relating to women, like sexual harassment, discrimination against Black women, motherhood, and ageism, in a manner that connects with readers and helps them understand that the struggle wasn’t just about being Black but also about being ‘a girl.'

In other segments, she talks about Black inequality and how inappropriate it is that all their achievements are celebrated in one day and urges for their history to also be in the American calendar. She speaks about police brutality, racial profiling, voting rights, and the long-term effects slavery has had on Black families and communities. While some readers may find her arguments bold and controversial, her writing encourages reflection and conversation rather than silence.

I found the segments that focused on children’s education emotional and powerful. As she highlighted the school-to-prison pipeline, school violence, unfair educational systems, and immigration issues affecting children, the emotions deepened, making the writing feel so genuine and personal.Overall, I’d rate this book 5 out of 5 because it is an interesting read that is also highly educational.

I’d recommend this book to every woman; this book will stir up something in you as it did me. And to anyone who is looking for something inspiring, emotional, thought-provoking, and grounded in the real experience and struggles of "Blacks," this book is for you.

[Rodrigo J]

The power of words

As I read this book, I thought about how often we overlook the power carried by the things we say. The author explains that words do not only describe what we live, but can also open paths toward a society that seeks greater justice. Her reflections encouraged me to pause and pay closer attention to the inequalities we see each day, the ones we sometimes ignore because they feel too large or too familiar to face with confidence.

Another idea that stayed with me was that every person can contribute through his or her own voice, even when that voice is not perfect or strong. What truly matters is using it with honesty and purpose. In the end, I understood that speaking with clarity and respect is also a way to build justice, step by step and conversation by conversation.

[KRISTEN CONNELL]

Using My Word Power: Advocating For A More Civilized Society, Book III: Justice and Equality is a timely and intellectually purposeful collection that demonstrates the enduring power of journalism to inform, challenge, and inspire action. Drawing on more than four decades of advocacy journalism, Janice S. Ellis brings together commentary on justice, equality, civic responsibility, and defining moments that continue to shape society. What distinguishes the book is its commitment to moving beyond opinion examining facts, providing context, and encouraging readers to think critically before deciding what action is warranted. As the third installment in her Real Advocacy Journalism® series, it represents both a continuation of her professional legacy and a meaningful contribution to conversations that remain deeply relevant.

[May G.]

Reflection.

It offers an in-depth and honest look at the issues of justice and equality, written from the experience of more than four decades of advocacy journalism. Each selected commentary remains relevant for its ability to explain current issues and recall historical moments that still influence our society. The author rigorously applies principles, providing clear analysis, well-supported facts, and reflections that invite thought and action. It is a work that informs, inspires, and reaffirms the importance of understanding the issues that affect us all. Ideal for those seeking serious analysis and informed, relevant content aimed at building a more just society and recognizing the power of words to bring about change.

[Lina P]

USING MY WORD POWER: Advocating For A More Civilized Society, Book III: Justice and Equality, by Ellis, the author of the book, is a compilation of her years of experience as a journalist.
During those years, she dedicated herself to analyzing, explaining, and exposing issues and problems related to justice, equity and accountability, and matters of social impact, among others.
It is a profound and comparative analysis of the aforementioned topics, which have been observed around the world for years.
Personally, as I was reading, it made me reflect on my role in addressing these problems and what my contribution should be to help society change—in other words, to abandon my current attitude and become an agent of change to achieve equity in the community.

[Marina L.]

I honestly enjoyed this book more than I expected. It brings together texts written by a journalist and advocate with decades of experience, and you can genuinely feel how much she cares about the issues she talks about. She tackles topics of justice and equality in a way that really made me stop and think.

The texts feel very real and connected to what’s happening today, and they push you to look at your own place in all of it. These kinds of books are important because they make you explore the information you read and open your eyes to topics you might otherwise ignore.

Overall, it left me thinking long after I finished it, and it encouraged me to keep learning. It’s definitely worth picking up.

[CarlitasFox]

Food for thought
Again, I chose to read another book written by Janice Ellis since she has a simple and clear style to explain difficult topics connected to politics, education and freedom of expression. In "Using my Word Power II”, she delves into judicial and equality topics. As usual, Janice’s purpose is to help and train readers to be informed and enlightened in these topics. She fosters knowledge and inspiration to let people form solid opinions on any currency subject, speak their minds and take action whenever they need. I liked the way she explains with details and examples everything and the way she encourages people. I learned a lot, that’s why I highly recommend her books- She's a genius!

[Evelyn]

This is not the first work I have read by this author, and I continue choosing her because of her experience, honesty, and responsibility in researching, analyzing, and writing. She never disappoints me, regardless of the book's premise. She takes justice and equality very seriously and tries by all means to enforce them. Her reflections invite us to rethink many of the attitudes that people have today and how we can improve them without losing our way.
The narrative, in addition to being compelling, is current, as injustices arise in all aspects of our lives. Creating a more united and just society is possible, and I believe this book is a great start.

[Pipe]

I really liked reading Using My Word Power by Janice S. Ellis. The book talks about justice, equality, and how our voices can make a difference. The ideas are big, but the way she explains them feels very clear. It made me think of a time in school when I spoke up for a friend who felt left out. I was nervous, but it felt right, and this book reminded me why small actions matter. I also enjoyed the stories she shares from history and her own life. They helped me understand how society changes slowly, step by step. After reading it, I felt more hopeful and more responsible too. It is the kind of book that makes you stop, think, and want to do something good.

[Mark]

Using My Word Power: Advocating for a More Civilized Society. Book lll: Justice and Equality by Dr. Janice S. Ellis is an eye-opening book. Drawing from decades of advocacy journalism, Ellis breaks down the struggles and issues we face in our society. The book consists of four parts, and each part covers women’s rights, racism, our children, and educational gaps.

This book left a huge impression on me. It sheds light on the cracks in our society and serves as a call to action. This book shows that equality is an exhausting and ongoing fight, and we all must step up, speak out, and fight for a change.

[Lawal Chris]

I found this book to be a thoughtful and insightful collection of articles that gave me a lot to think about. Janice discusses important topics such as justice, equality, racism, education, women's rights, sexual harassment, and the need for dignity and respect in society.

Rather than simply pointing out problems, she encourages us to think deeply about these issues and consider how positive change can happen.
This is an inspiring and meaningful read that encourages reflection and reminds us that building a better society starts with each of us.

[Ivana S.]

I highly recommend it

This book sparks action rather than showing problems and with that I was sold. It made me rethink my own responsibility when it comes to justice, fairness, and speaking up. It’s inspiring but also challenging. I think you walk away feeling like you can do something, even if it’s small, to help make the world better and more humane.
If you care about society, fairness, and truth I recommend you to read this. It’s honest, eye-opening, and surprisingly hopeful.

[Santiago L.R.]

Justice in words

What stands out in this book is how justice, equality, and the power of language come together in a meaningful way. Ellis explains how pointing out unfair treatment and unequal access becomes necessary when people are not treated the same. She shows how language exposes the structures that keep certain groups at a disadvantage and how words reveal the differences in opportunity and access. Her assessment of inequality in the United States is straightforward. She explains how uneven access to education and resources affects entire communities and limits the fairness available to them. Seeing these issues through a journalistic lens makes them easier to understand and reinforces why conversations about justice cannot fade.

[Almiria]

Having read and enjoyed Janice S. Ellis’s previous books, I was excited to see what she covers in her latest work. As before, Ellis focuses on advocacy journaling and draws readers’ attention to socio-political, economic, legal and other issues that we should all be aware of. In this volume, she focuses on “timelessness” and discusses topics that have been and will be worthy of our attention and advocacy today and in times to come. I appreciate her bravery and unflinching willingness to confront divisive issues. As before, I sometimes feel like the book doesn’t contain enough information on how to actually solve the issues that she brings up – but perhaps that is not the aim of the book. Instead, we can make a difference simply by being aware of the issues and applying our minds to how they can be improved.

[Margarita Garcia]

This is the third book I've read by Janice S. Ellis and, like the others, it's an ideal read for sharing, analyzing, and studying. In ‘’Justice and Equality’’ the author critiques and analyzes topics such as motherhood, the hypocrisy surrounding sexual harassment, the role of women in society, racial and gender inequality, the Black Lives Matter movement, and more. This book covers a wide range of topics, but it touches on interesting points for reflection, and above all, helps us recognize the problems our society faces. This book opens our eyes to reality, inspires empathy, and motivates positive change. I highly recommend this book because it will encourage you to be part of the change and be more conscious.

[Daniel M]

This book delves deeply into tough stuff concerning justice an equality, born from more than forty years wrestling with advocacy journalism. Each thought still truly matters, shining a light on what's happening now and digging back into the past that still molds us. The writer uses sharp thinking offering solid points, and info that's really well backed up provoking ideas that pushes you to both wonder, and get moving. Basically, it teaches, gets you fired up, and show why it’s critical to get what's affecting everyone. If you want serious thought, meaty content and viewpoints that help build a fairer place, and understand the force of words, then this is for you.

[Charlie R]

These Using my word of power books have taught me a lot of lessons and opened my eyes in different ways I taught I would have a new perspective on different topics like justice and equality, which is what this book is about. This third book is powerful, and it grounded me in a moral clarity where you understand why we as a society should be committed to building a fairer society. What I like about the way the author writes is that it feels like he was talking to you but at the same time to the whole society, encouraging me on how to change using word of power to address discrimination, dignity, and why we should always speak up. Something this book left me, and I think that is why I recommend this book, is that equality begins with everyday choices that will lead to aiming for a better world.

[Steven Finkelstein]

This is the third book in a series. It is about using the power of words to try to change the world and to steer it in a more positive direction. More specifically, it’s about advocating for a more civilized society. The premise is that civility has broken down in the modern world due to a number of factors, and the author feels that is poisoning or corrupting the social contract that all of us have made with each other.

The author is preoccupied with justice and equality, and she talks in this book about the best ways to try to achieve both of those things. The result is an inspiring treatise that goes into detail about both current inequitable matters and ones that have a more timeless quality.

[Maps R]

Using My Word Power is really clear, direct, and full of truth. Janice Ellis has a way of writing that feels like a personal conversation, not a lecture. She doesn’t sugarcoat anything, but she also doesn’t overwhelm you. She just lays out the facts, the history, and real-life stories that make you think about how we treat each other and what kind of society we’re choosing to build.
It is really relevant. Even though some of the pieces were written years ago, they fit perfectly with what we’re still facing today.