WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 24: Parkland student Emma Gonzalez addresses the March for Our Lives Rally on March 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images)
Young people have been standing up for social progress more and more lately. And it’s amazing to see them use their voices and emerge as leaders.
Lately, it seems like the world has become a little scarier and a little darker. Many have felt attacked by the Trump administration, whether they’re Dreamers, part of the LGBTQ community, women, minorities or more than one of these.
It’s easy to feel defeated. But there has been one amazing thing to come out of these turbulent times: People have woken up. Many have been galvanized into action because of what they’ve seen during the current administration. Whether people are going to the March for Our Lives, the Women’s March, protests at airports, protests against police violence or something else, we’re seeing more activists than ever before.
And this is especially true of younger people. Millennials and Gen Zers have been standing up and using their voices more than ever lately and have emerged as true leaders for social justice. In a time where older generations have started to feel cynical, pessimistic and beaten down, young people have been getting more involved in politics and social change. And as the Parkland survivors showed, they’re brilliantly using the social media they were raised on to make noise and make change.
These young activists are showing us that change is possible, and that young people really can make a difference. At a time when it feels like there’s just one crisis after another, young activists have really been standing out. They’re smart, passionate, savvy, and not going anywhere. It’s truly inspirational to see. And it’ll be amazing to see what kind of leaders they turn into in the future.
Here’s a look at 25 young people who are making noise for social progress.