This generation’s Americans are becoming more politically active much earlier on in their lives. Three activists, in particular, stood out at the March For Our Lives rally at the National Mall in Washington D.C.: Yolanda Renee King, Naomi Wadler and Emma Gonzalez. Their eloquence and passion are attributes that people of all ages can admire.
1. Yolanda Renee King
“I have a dream that enough is enough,” Yoland Renne King — granddaughter of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King — cheered and led the crowd in chanting. At only 9 years old, King has already mastered a set of passionate public speaking skills that mirrored that of MLK.
2. Naomi Wadler
Eleven-year-old Naomi Wadler’s speech criticized the lack of coverage on gun violence towards people of color. Prior to the march, she and a classmate organized a school walkout to honor Parkland victims and Courtlin Arrington, a young girl of color who died of gun violence at her high school in Alabama.
3. Emma Gonzalez
As a survivor of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, Emma Gonzalez has been the face of the movement. She is an activist for stricter gun regulations, and she gave a powerful speech calling for government action in gun policies. With a natural gift for public speaking, her presence captivated the audience; her personal connection to gun violence only strengthened her speech.
Bottom line is, our generation is tired of America’s short-term reactions to gun violence. After every gun violence incident, temporary momentum urges legislation; but each time, that fire dies out quickly. This time, however, America’s youth are here to shake things up. They are not willing to waiting around anymore, and they are using their voices to influence policy-makers. Unlike previous attempts, this movement’s momentum seems to be continuing, largely because the young people affected by gun violence are using their voices for the cause.