Empowering Voices: Uplifting America's Youth

We’re honoring the legacy of freedom and resilience by highlighting the inspiring young leaders of America who continue to shape our future. This Juneteenth, we celebrate not only our history but also the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, led by remarkable young individuals who embody the spirit of empowerment and activism.

Amanda Gorman

“Change is possible, it is in our reach, and it begins with a single word. Step out of the darkness and onto the streets. Speak out against hatred and lift up the voices of the unheard. For we are the change, and we will create the future we deserve.”

  • Yolanda Renee King

    Born to Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King, Yolanda is 16 years old and is following in her grandparents' footsteps as a civil rights advocate. She is also a voting rights advocate, urging Congress to act on making voting access more equitable. Additionally, she has published her own book, titled "We Dream a World." This book is a tribute to Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King, Jr., where she illustrates how young people are strong enough to carry on the legacy created for her and turn it into their own. Through this book, she teaches children ages 4-8 that they too can make a difference in areas such as racial equality, bullying, gun violence, climate change, and empowerment.

  • Jerome Foster II

    As the founder of Waic Up and OneMillionofUs, and the youngest-ever White House advisor in United States history, Foster is a prominent and outspoken advocate for climate justice. He has become a powerful voice for addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on low-income communities.

    Foster created OneMillionofUs to amplify the voices of young people in the political arena, aiming to create a better future for humanity and the planet. He is also the founder of Waic Up, which empowers individuals to drive change through its impact chapters, consisting of diverse campaigns targeting strategic forms of distribution. In addition to his organizational work, Foster hosts a podcast called "A World Upside Down," where he continues to address environmental and social justice issues. Through the podcast, he shares his journey of growing up and advocating for a better world.

  • Zaynab Mohamed

    Zaynab is a passionate advocate for political representation and made history by becoming the youngest woman elected to the Minnesota Senate in November 2022 at the age of 25.

    Before this remarkable achievement, Zaynab worked as a policy aide for Minneapolis City Councilmember Jason Chavez. She then served as the community advocacy manager for the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Following the tragic death of George Floyd, this young leader lobbied the state legislature to enhance public safety through police accountability measures.

    Zaynab now leverages her platform as a Somali-American and a Black Muslim woman to champion representation and create systems that support working-class people. Her unwavering commitment aims to make their lives easier, not harder.

  • Zyahna Bryant

    Zyahna Bryant, a student activist and community organizer at the University of Virginia, made headlines at the age of 15 for calling for the removal of the Robert E. Lee statue in its namesake park in Charlottesville. Her courageous advocacy ignited a nationwide conversation about Confederate monuments and ultimately led to the city council's decision to remove the statue and rename the park.

    Since then, Zyahna has continued her impactful activism, publishing a powerful collection of poetry and essays titled "Reclaim." This book reflects her journey and thoughts on social justice, offering readers an intimate look into her experiences and aspirations.

    One of Zyahna’s most poignant pieces is an article she wrote for Teen Vogue in the wake of 2020’s racial justice reckoning. In this article, she provides readers with insightful guidance on how to take anti-racist action, sharing valuable educational resources and candidly discussing her vision for the future of activist spaces. Zyahna's work not only highlights the importance of addressing systemic racism but also inspires others to join the fight for equality and justice.

  • Taylor Cassidy

    Knowledge is power, and Taylor Cassidy understands this deeply. This young woman is from St. Louis, Missouri and grew up learning about Black history from her parents. Renowned for her “Fast Black History” series on TikTok, Taylor uses fun, educational videos to highlight the stories of Black changemakers such as Marie Maynard Daly and Jerry Lawson. She did all of this in 2020 at the age of 19. Her inspiration came from noticing the glaring omissions in her history textbooks, which often relegated Black stories to a few pages focused predominantly on slavery. With a mission to celebrate Black history and its influential figures, Taylor reminds us that these trailblazers are relatable and inspiring, showing that they are "just like us.

    Taylor’s advocacy for representation extends beyond TikTok. She also runs an engaging YouTube channel, where her series "Black Girl Magic Minute" invites guests to explore a variety of topics. These include the beauty and significance of Black hair, the challenges of finding makeup for dark skin tones, and the appropriation of Black TikTok dances. Through these discussions, Taylor brings important social commentary to the forefront, using her platform to educate and inspire her audience.

    By blending education with social influence, Taylor Cassidy exemplifies how digital content can be both informative and engaging.

  • Kalan Haywood Jr.

    Kalan Haywood Jr. has etched his name in Wisconsin's history books as the youngest elected official ever, a testament to his extraordinary commitment to public service and leadership. At just 19 years old, he has shattered age barriers and set a precedent for youthful ambition and determination in the political arena.

    From his early days as a passionate advocate on the Milwaukee Youth Council to his decisive victory in the primary election, Kalan has exemplified resilience, vision, and a deep-rooted dedication to improving his community. His journey underscores the power of young voices in shaping legislative priorities and advocating for meaningful change.

    As Wisconsin's youngest elected official, Kalan Haywood Jr. inspires a new generation of leaders to believe in their ability to effect positive transformation, regardless of age or background. His historic achievement serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, demonstrating that with courage and conviction, youth can indeed lead with impact and integrity.

  • Martese Johnson

    Martese Johnson is a dedicated activist committed to raising awareness about implicit bias and police brutality. Johnson’s journey into activism began with a deeply personal and traumatic experience: an unjust and excessively violent arrest in Virginia. His ordeal quickly went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and contributing to a new era of social media-driven activism focused on police brutality and accountability.

    Martese’s story not only highlighted the urgent need for reform but also inspired countless individuals to join the fight against systemic injustice. Johnson attended the University of Michigan Law School and traveled the country delivering speeches, hosting roundtables, and orchestrating ideation sessions targeted at addressing issues of Racial and Criminal Justice in America. Now, as an associate attorney at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in New York City, he believes that people without the means to achieve justice are deserving of all of his time and energy.

  • Aalayah Eastmond

    Aalayah Eastmond, at just 23 years old, is a remarkable activist who seamlessly merges gun reform advocacy with the principles of the Black Lives Matter movement. Her journey as a survivor of the 2018 Parkland shooting deeply informs her activism, driven by both personal experience and a passionate commitment to forging a brighter future.

    Co-founding the influential organization Team Enough and addressing thousands at March for Our Lives are just a few examples of Aalayah’s impactful work in the realm of gun safety. Yet, she recognizes a critical gap in the conversation, often highlighting how discussions frequently overlook the harsh realities of police violence within Black communities.

    Aalayah’s advocacy is not just about policy change but also about fostering a more inclusive dialogue that addresses the intersecting issues of gun violence and racial injustice. Through her activism, she challenges us all to confront these complex issues with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to meaningful change.

  • Amanda Gorman

    Amanda Gorman is a remarkable 26-year-old who has made history as the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history. Beyond her groundbreaking achievement, Amanda is an acclaimed writer and a cum laude graduate of Harvard University with a degree in Sociology. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she began writing at a young age, and her talent has garnered widespread recognition.

    Amanda's poetic prowess has earned her invitations to the Obama White House and performances for notable figures like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Al Gore, Secretary Hillary Clinton, and Malala Yousafzai. Her commissioned poems for CBS This Morning have resonated deeply, while her speaking engagements at esteemed venues such as the Library of Congress and Lincoln Center have further cemented her as a powerful voice.

    She has received numerous accolades, including a Genius Grant from OZY Media, recognition from Scholastic Inc., and the YoungArts and Glamour magazine College Women of the Year Awards. Amanda has also contributed to the New York Times newsletter The Edit and penned Nike's 2020 Black History Month campaign manifesto. In 2017, she made history again as the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate appointed by Urban Word, a testament to her impact on youth advocacy through poetry.

Facts About Ameica’s Youth

  • Voter Turnout and Volunteerism

    Youth voter turnout has been on the rise. In the 2020 U.S. presidential election, young voters (ages 18-29) turned out in record numbers, comprising 17% of the electorate and making their voices heard on critical issues.

    Nearly 26% of Americans aged 16 to 24 engage in volunteer activities, contributing millions of hours to community service annually.

  • Diversity and Inclusion

    Millennials and Generation Z are the most diverse generations in U.S. history, with a significant proportion identifying as racially and ethnically diverse.

  • YWCA Delaware's Youth Programming

    In the past year, 94% of students who participated in YWCA Delaware’s youth programming reported increased self-esteem and purpose.

YWCA Delaware's Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) program helps to transform communities by awakening consciousness, promoting inclusion and solidarity, and cultivating civic engagement in individuals and organizations to advocate for justice and inspire a movement.

Explore Our Journey to Freedom

Mile Markers

  • Courageous Leaders of the Abolitionist Movement

  • Pioneers and Leaders of YWCA

  • Civil Rights in America

  • Celebrating Voting Rights Champions

  • Spotlighting Reproductive Justice Advocates

  • Champions of Education Equality

  • Advocates Driving Criminal Justice Reform

  • Youth Leaders of America

  • Pioneers of Housing Justice