Ida B. Wells, born in 1862, was a trailblazing African American journalist, suffragist, and civil rights activist. Her legacy continues to inspire me and generations of activists, reminding us of the power of speaking truth to power and the importance of fighting for justice and equality for all. Ida B. Wells, a pioneering African American journalist, suffragist, and civil rights activist, is an inspiring figure whose legacy continues to resonate today. Born into slavery in 1862, Wells overcame immense adversity to become a fierce advocate for racial justice and gender equality. One of Wells' most notable contributions was her fearless journalism exposing the horrors of lynching in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, lynching was a widespread and brutal form of racial violence used to terrorize Black communities. Wells risked her life to investigate and report on these atrocities, documenting the true extent of the violence and challenging the prevailing narratives that justified it. Through her writing, she exposed the deep-seated racism and injustice embedded within American society, sparking national outrage and galvanizing the early civil rights movement. Wells' intersectional approach to activism also sets her apart as a trailblazer. She recognized the interconnectedness of race and gender oppression, advocating not only for the rights of African Americans but also for women's suffrage. Wells understood that Black women faced unique forms of discrimination and marginalization and worked tirelessly to address these intersecting issues. Her advocacy laid the groundwork for future generations of intersectional feminists and underscored the importance of solidarity across social movements. Moreover, Wells' courage and resilience in the face of adversity continue to inspire individuals around the world. Despite facing threats to her life and livelihood, she remained steadfast in her commitment to justice, refusing to be silenced or intimidated. Wells' unwavering determination serves as a powerful reminder of the strength that lies within each individual to confront injustice and effect meaningful change. Additionally, Wells' leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in the early civil rights movement. As a co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), she helped shape the direction of the organization and mobilize support for its mission of racial equality. Wells' ability to inspire collective action and mobilize communities underscores her enduring impact on the struggle for civil rights. In conclusion, Ida B. Wells' life and legacy are a testament to the power of activism, courage, and resilience in the fight for justice. Her fearless journalism, intersectional advocacy, and unwavering commitment to equality continue to inspire generations of activists and serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial and gender justice. As an honor of her legacy, I must continue to draw inspiration from her example and work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.

It has always been important to me to create change in our society. As a young African American woman, it is important that I address these social inequities. As someone who has heard and listened to many stories of my fathers hardships and struggles in life as an African American man. His words have motivated to do more. In addressing social issues, I am teamed up with the Denver Public Safety. I advocate for youth violence, school shootings, inequality in social groups, and more. I have provided youth with therapy sessions that are affordable around Denver, youth-parenting help and guidance, I have participated, work/volunteered in various youth summits around the metro area. In August 2023, I worked in the ACT Summit, there I participated in set up and addressing generation trauma. In September, I have been one of the youth panel members to lead DPS in guidance to creating culture, community, and bettering the education system for teens. In November before thanksgiving, I participated in the Bruce Randolph thanksgiving feast, by creating baskets filled with food to give towards families in Denver. Now being a fellow alumni, During the summer I worked in the Piton Fellowship. Past the few weeks me and other diverse group of youth worked together engaged and discussed our society, current positions in life, our values, and our main purpose in the work we’re doing now. In this time we grouped together to created and spoke upon our presentation to many social workers in Denver, of bringing success to students after high school. In Denver, Colorado me and other youth are the voice for change My team and I; us youth host youth summits each year in April. Created by youth and for the youth. The DPSYLT was created after the summer of violence in 1993. As for the past years, we gather Denver Public Schools of 8th graders and 12th to join us on the day of fun, but also learning. We have different themes and slogans each year. This years theme is reaching for the stars, and our slogan being “Every steps counts to reach for the brightest star”. Our themes have different meanings and this one being guidance and showing youth that their future matters, and as well as their actions. During this time we provide students with chances of earning scholarships, fun door prizes, gift cards, a keynote speaker, round tables discussions on topics of personal struggles, challenges, breakthroughs of mental health, and ways to succeed. We bring resources of the Denver police team advocating for fire arm lock ups, mental health communities, secondary education groups and workers. For engagement we have breakout sessions in topics and lessons for the youth, for topics of our society, goals, meditation, financial literacy, and more. In continuing down this line of work I want to motivate my self as an aunt; my nephews, and other youth like me. Not mattering what path you’re on in life that you’re doing enough.

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I am a senior in high school, and concurrent enrollment student studying and pursuing an associates transfer degree is Business Administration to not only become and business owner but Healthcare Admin. I have joined many community acts youth programs, and participated in youth led events, such as National Night out in Montbello as well as Healing the Hood with black youth dances, housing resources, and therapy sessions for mental health. Working in the Urban Farm with art’s and crafts for children, animals demos and food, The ACT summit in showcasing culture, with musical instruments, dances and amplifying youth black voices. I work as a youth assistant with The Denver Public Safety Youth Leadership Team where youth and myself workshop and engage in events around Denver, Colorado. We host anual youth summits in engaging workshops, door prizes, and resources for teens. I am envolved in a Cotillion Beautillion program that highlights black youth academics with a gala, awards, and formal dance. I was apart of Community Ventures, Piton Fellowship with other youth leaders to not only discuss or wants and values in life, but cultivate conversation with a presentation amongst other alumni on mental health, and what our high schools are lacking to create success after school (teacher and student engagement, building credit cards, credit cards and how to manage them, steps for buying a house, secondary pathways, financial options, etc.) Those we’re just the many topics we had opened up and discussed. Using this scholarship will excel my confidence for my education and future. With not as much family support, stress for my parents, and myself, money situations and financial options have always been on my mind when applying to a university, it’s been the one thing holding me back from traveling to a new state, experience a different scenery, make new connections, and finally live life. With this I am able to become flexible, afford housing on campus, books, and my tuition. During this time I want to continue encouraging the youth of our time to create community change and use their voices. In our generation now, youth of color and in general have much weight on our shoulders, with new systemic changes. We are needed in every field, as well as ownership of property; to healthcare and government assistance. Wether I am chosen or not, I will tell myself to continue my education without doubt for my future. Thank you for taking this time to consider my impact and story.