The Young People Will Win
We'd be wise to learn from history and listen to them now
As I watch young people protest on their college campuses, face suspension, expulsion, and eviction, arrest and arraignment, and risk their futures for the sake of justice—I’m reminded that they are standing on the shoulders of giants.
I am reminded that Claudette Colvin was arrested at 15 for denying a seat to a white woman, and she laid the groundwork for the end of segregation on public transport.
I am reminded that John Lewis suffered police brutality at 20, and became the civil rights icon of our time.
I am reminded that the Feds killed Fred Hampton at 22, for his ‘crime’ of building social, racial, and economic justice.
I am reminded that Robert Smalls stole a Confederate vessel at 22, took it to Union waters, helped the Union win the Civil War, and established the public school system in South Carolina while also becoming one of the first Black men in history elected to the State Legislature and US Congress.
I am reminded that Muhammad Ali refused the Draft at 24, and gave up his title for the sake of justice, and is now remembered as the GOAT.
I am reminded that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led the bus boycott at 26, and disrupted an entire economy for the sake of humanity.
I am reminded that Irene Morgan was arrested at 27 for kicking a Sheriff in the groin for forcing her to give up her seat to a white man, and joined Claudette Colvin in laying the groundwork for Rosa Parks to eventually help end segregation in public spaces.
And I am reminded that Harriett Tubman began the Underground Railroad at 27, and changed the course of history altogether.
None of these young people had money, power, or influence. All of them were criminalized, beaten, and murdered for the sake of justice. But in the end, history proved them right all along. History remembers them with love and awe, and their oppressors with disdain and disgust. There is a lesson in this for people committed to justice and humanity. And those in the halls of power should pay close attention.
But just like before, this time, the young people will win once again, as they always have, and lead revolutionary change in America for the sake of justice.
We'd be wise to listen to them now.