As we celebrate Black History Month, we look to recognize and uplift incredible young Black changemakers who are advocating for a better world. In fields such as media, literacy, accessibility, LGBTQ+ rights, and the environment, these youth are using their voices, talents, and platforms to transform their communities. We encourage you to learn more about their causes, amplify their work, and join them in fighting for a brighter, more inclusive future!
1) Haili Smith and Brooke Smith
These sisters are on a mission to give students, classrooms, and public libraries culturally relevant children’s books to “progress diversity and inclusion through literature.” With the rise of book bans throughout the country, these advocates founded the nonprofit ‘Books Like Me’ providing vital literature and reminders of representation for youth – because every child deserves to see themselves in books. Follow these siblings’ journey and learn how you can support them in their mission here!
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2) Kahlil Greene
Nicknamed the “Gen Z Historian,” Kahlil’s mission is to make his generation more politically, socially, and culturally aware by uncovering and sharing “hidden history.” An education advocate, he discusses colonization, conflicts, and culture in his video content with the aim of keeping his audience informed. In addition to being elected Yale’s first Black student body president in the school’s 318-year history, Kahlil also is working on a video series with National Geographic! Check out one of Kahlil’s video below!
@kahlilgreene Do you know about the Black WWI soldiers who fought on the frontlines and brought Jazz to Europe? Listen to Robin Roberts and Kahlil Greene to learn about #TheHarlemHellfighters and don’t miss the documentary coming out this Sunday, February 4th on @HISTORY @A&E Television Network . #historychannelpartnership #hiddenhistory #blackhistorytiktok ♬ original sound – Gen Z Historian
3) Taylor Lindsay-Noel
When she was 14 years old, this Canadian Olympic hopeful broke her neck after she fell from the uneven bars. The injury rendered her quadriplegic, and since then, Taylor has become a disability advocate, using her platform to spread information about accessibility for people with disabilities, breaks down stereotypes, and speaks out about the need for inclusive fashion.
@accessbytayDaily reminder: Accessibility is a right, not a favor!♬ original sound – Taylor LN | Creator ♿️
4) Safora Malone
This national transgender youth activist started her advocacy with the GSA Gender Justice Leadership Program and was later part of the Fierce Freedom School program at the Transgender Law Center, where she was the only teenager in the program’s history. In addition to speaking at the Texas Capitol in support of necessary gender affirming healthcare, she also serves as the co-director of TransHarvard, a university-wide Trans advocacy group. Now a sophmore at Harvard, Safora is a also active member of the ballroom scene.
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5) Jay’Shun Mathews
As the Founder and Executive Director of the Black Youth Empowerment Network (BYEN), Jay’Shun works to uplift and empower Black youth through leadership development, entrepreneurship, and creative expression. His nonprofit provides mentorship, leadership training via educational workshops, and networking opportunities to help Black individuals grow confidence to excel personally and professionally. Support BYEN and learn how you can get involved here!
6) Genesis Butler
This environmental and animal rights activist, vegan, and self-described “friend to all animals” started her own nonprofit, Genesis For Animals with a mission to provide funding to sanctuaries and rescues who provide animals with a permanent home. The Ted Talk she gave when she was 10 provides insight on how a simple choice can mean the difference between destroying or saving our planet. Check out her talk here!
7) Heman Bekele
Named TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year, Heman is a young inventor and researcher who developed a soap prototype designed to deliver cancer-fighting treatments. His interest in cancer research began when he was just 11-years-old after playing with chemistry sets and drawing on memories living in Ethiopia where laborers work with high levels of sun exposure and minimal protections. With the hope that his Melanoma Treating Soap (MTS) could one day treat and prevent skin cancers, Heman’s goal is to get his invention FDA approved and start a nonprofit that distributes this soap by 2028.
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8) Keivonn Woodard
At 10-years-old, Keivonn was not only the youngest person ever nominated for an Emmy Award, but he was also the first Black Deaf actor to receive an Emmy nomination. Since his work on the TV show ‘The Last of Us,’ Keivonn has been advocating for deaf representation on the big screen and media everywhere. “It’s nice to have so many people see that deaf people can do it, that we can act, too,” he signs in the video below.
