My father used to say, “There are three kinds of people in this world: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wake up and ask, ‘What happened?’” The leaders of the Civil Rights Movement — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Bayard Rustin, Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis — were all in that first category. They strategized, they studied the levers of government, and they knew how to apply pressure in the right places to make lasting change. They weren’t just reacting to the moment. They were playing to win.
Civic engagement has always been at the heart of Black history. We often tell our young people about the bravery of those who sat at lunch counters, marched across bridges, and faced down dogs and fire hoses. What always inspires me most about those moments is not just the courage, though — it is the strategy. The people who changed history were not just reacting to injustice; they were deeply informed about the system they were challenging. They understood who held power, how laws were made, and how to use the machinery of government to create change.
This is why civic education is not just important — it is essential. Too many of our young people do not know who represents them, what their elected officials do, or how they can make change in their own communities.
I think back to my own wake-up calls — the moments I truly understood the responsibility that comes with education.
My parents taught me the purpose of my education. They taught me about the people who fought, bled, and died for my right to learn. They made it clear that my education was not just about personal success — it was about using my knowledge to transform my community. Today, our schools must teach this deeper purpose. We must show young people why their education matters beyond the classroom. Without that understanding, they will struggle to be agents of change.
The reality is that democracy is a participation sport. You do not just sit in the stands and expect your voice to be heard. You have to get on the field, understand the rules, and play to win.
Too many people are currently sitting on the sidelines. In the 2021 New York City mayoral election, only 21% of registered voters cast a ballot — meaning nearly 80% of eligible voters did not participate in choosing the city’s leadership. Nationally, in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, 66% of eligible voters turned out, which is a stronger number, but still leaves tens of millions of Americans disengaged from the process. Too often, people do not vote because they feel disconnected, powerless, or unsure of how to get involved.
We do not need to lecture young people — we need to show them how civic engagement works in real life. Here are five concrete ways to begin your engagement.
- Attend a local government meeting — Each congressperson, state legislator, or City Council member holds regularly scheduled public meetings. Along with community board meetings, these are all open to the public. Attending even one meeting allows young people to see how decisions are made and who is making them.
- Research your local representatives — Every student should know the names of their City Council member, state assemblyperson, congressperson, and borough president. Study their roles so you are aware of what they are each responsible for.
- Engage in community service — Civic engagement is not just about voting; it is about service. Help young people experience the power of collective action, whether by volunteering at a food pantry, helping out at a church, or organizing a neighborhood cleanup.
- Make voting personal — Millions of people do not vote because they do not see the impact. Conversations at home about how policies affect housing, jobs, and education can help bridge that disconnect.
- Turn engagement into a habit — Civic engagement should be ongoing, not just something we only do during election season. Encourage young people to follow local news, join a youth advocacy group, or write letters to their representatives.
Champions make history
History has shown us that change only happens when Black communities are informed, organized, and engaged. The Civil Rights Movement was driven by everyday people who decided to take action. It was not just about knowing the past — it was about shaping the future.
Every young person deserves to understand the power they hold. The question is not just whether they know their history; it is whether they know how to make history. When young people truly understand how government works, they do not just watch things happen. They make things happen.
Democracy belongs to those who participate. Let’s make sure the next generation is ready to participate and win.