THE POWER OF ALL YOUTH

Story by Fatima Tall, an Idaho raised Slam Poet and Youth Activist/Organizer. She likes to use her Black magic and poetry to make true social change in her community. She loves being able to celebrate the many diverse voices in Idaho, whether it be at protests or poetry slams.

Youth of all shapes and forms have voices that carry truth and passion.

Yet, the youth voice is a lost voice.

It gets buried in single story stereotypes and societal norms that tells us power comes with age or in the form of a white male. This mentality suppresses true representation and causes individuals to value themselves and what they have to say less.

I was lucky enough to find and use my voice to create social change in my community. This handed me a dose of empowerment I never thought I could find in my life.

I do this work because I do not want the youth voice to wait. I want to create spaces and environments that promote youth engagement and allow youth to prosper.

Young black and brown individuals should not be silenced.

Young trans and non-binary individuals should not be silenced.

Young people should not be shamed for speaking up.

Youth have been SHAKING the very ground of social justice work since the beginning. Yet, no one really acknowledges it. From Tiananmen Square to the Arab Spring, youth have taken strides in true social change.

Young people, despite popular belief, CAN start a revolution.

This is the truth I want to share.

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