Youth Activism: Raise Your Voice – A Smithsonian Affiliations Virtual Scholar Talk
Wednesday, April 28th at 12 noon via Zoom
Smithsonian Affiliations, in collaboration with the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) and the National Civil Rights Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, will present a discussion of youth activism with community engagement leaders OnRaé Watkins, Dr. Noelle Trent, and Dylan Baca, with a specially recorded performance from Edrick Trotter, a Washington, D.C. sixth-grader from Statesman College Preparatory Academy for Boys. Ami Temarantz, Cultural Interpreter Lead at NMAI, will also an overview of educational resources available from the museum.
The involvement of youth in causes like climate justice, racial and gender equality, LGBTQ rights, and economic change continues to rise across the world. But this is not a new phenomenon. Youth have been involved in activism throughout history. From youth activism during the Civil Rights Movement to the role of activism in advocating for Indigenous Peoples and marginalized populations, speakers will explore different ways youth activism has changed the world in the past and how it continues to make history today.
This interactive program is particularly relevant for educators and all audiences. It will offer resources and opportunities for students to engage in activism in their own communities.
Moderated by OnRaé Watkins
Programming + Community Engagement Lead, Smithsonian’s Arts & Industries Building Education Coordinator for the Smithsonian’s Our Shared Future: Reckoning with Our Racial Past initiative
Panelists:
Noelle Trent, Ph.D., Director of Interpretation, Collections, and Education
National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN
Dylan Baca
High School Senior, Student Activist, President of the Board of the Indigenous Peoples’ Initiative
Free and open to all due to Museum of the Rockies being a Smithsonian Affiliate.