The Power in Youth Activism
Historically, youth protests and resistance have been pivotal in driving social and political reform. One of the most significant examples is the Civil Rights Movement, where college students organized sit-ins and freedom rides challenging racial segregation and discrimination. Efforts from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, the Congress of Racial Equality, and The NAACP's youth cohorts led to national awareness of the movement and the eventual enactment of transformative legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
In more recent history, young organizers, many from historically marginalized communities, have led nationwide movements like the Fight for $15, advocating for economic justice and a $15 minimum wage.
Inspired by adult workers in the fast food industry, they challenged economic systems and helped to reframe public narratives around labor and fair pay. Their strikes in more than 150 U.S. cities in 2014 pushed for wage increases, securing tangible policy victories across numerous states.
As Fight for $15 has evolved, they have secured over $150 billion in wages for workers and, in 2020, demanded an end to systemic racism, police reform, and economic exploitation alongside the Black Lives Matter movement.
Youth activism continues to influence the movement for workers' rights, equity in labor laws, and union support. With 88% of people under 30 viewing unions favorably, Gen Z is emerging as the most pro-union generation. They challenge traditional labor practices and ways of working and advocate for fair wages and stronger worker protections, and by doing so, they have achieved significant union election wins at companies like Starbucks and Amazon.
Youth Activism and Climate Action
In the fight against climate change, youth activism continues to grow as young people find new platforms and tools to amplify their impact. Social media, online petitions, and digital campaigns have empowered young activists to reach broader audiences. Young leaders in the movement for climate action include activists such as:
Greta Thunberg, one of the youngest climate activists, led a solitary school strike for the climate in Sweden, which evolved into a worldwide movement involving millions of young people.
Xiye Bastida, environmentalist and a lead organizer for the Fridays for Future climate strike movement, mobilized over 600 students in a climate strike in 2019.
Isra Hirsi is a climate and racial justice advocate and the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the U.S. Youth Climate Strike.
Leah Thomas, activist and author of The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People and Planet, focuses on educating others about the intersectional nature of environmental justice and advocates for climate action to include a racial justice framework.
Digital platforms have enabled young climate advocates like those mentioned above to hold companies accountable and push for policy changes on a global scale. Using hashtags on social media like #JustTransition and #ClimateChange, youth activists sustain momentum in their calls for action and keep climate issues at the forefront of public discourse. Their impact is evident in organizations like Zero Hour and Re-Earth Initiative and digital platforms like Impact and Environment, where young people are shaping the future of climate action and storytelling and ensuring that their voices are heard.
As young people are harnessing their collective power and driving progress in the intersectional fight for justice we are inspired as it reminds us that the future is in the hands of those who dare to change the things they cannot accept.
How have you noticed Gen Z and Millennials leading or innovating in the movement for intersectional equity?
