By: Hania Hashmi of Piscataway, NJ
2nd place in ICNA CSJ-NJ’s BLH Essay Contest 2025
Topic: Racial Injustice and the responsibility of the youth
Racial injustice has been a pervasive issue that has continued to shape societies in profound ways, from the justice system to education and even employment. Generation after generation, minorities have continued to rise against tyranny. As we reflect on the struggles of the past, it’s clear that the fight for racial equality is far from over. The youth are one of the most powerful forces in this battle, as they do not merely inherit the past, but drive the change for the future.
From social media activism to peaceful movements, the youth challenge systematic racism and raise their voices against injustice. As future leaders, teachers, and activists, the responsibility of youth lies in paving new paths to a future free from inequality. They have critical responsibilities in fighting injustice, as they bridge history with modern activism, using social media, education, and community to pave the way for change.
In today’s digital age, social media has become an essential part of our lives. From paying for groceries to school, everything takes place in a blink. It has also become a powerful tool for raising awareness because of its speed and convenience. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, allow youth to share their voices, expose injustice, and organize movements. The rise of #BlackLivesMatter after the tragedy of Trayvon Martin in 2012 is a huge example of how digital activism is able to raise awareness all across the globe. It enables the youth to not only spread awareness but also organize petitions about what they feel is unfair and campaigns that would otherwise go unnoticed. Social media offers a direct way of communication across the globe, to every corner of the Earth. From raising awareness about police brutality to informing audiences of events, digital activism has proved to be an essential tool for today’s youth to push for change and create a call to action.
The right for racial justice does not start online, but in the classroom. Classrooms are where youth defy expectations by challenging educational systems that are unjust or perpetuate inequality. Across the entire Earth, young people demand that more inclusive curriculums be made, to include marginalized communities and inaccurate descriptions of history. Movements and student led protests calling for diversity in textbooks go to show how the youth are taking action, to ensure that schools teach an accurate version of historical events. They advocate for the inclusion of race and justice issues in class discussions, pushing for education that is more than just surface level. Youth are broadening the understanding of racial injustice and ensuring that the future generations are better equipped to deal with it.
It is clearly seen by the youth that the fight for racial justice is impossible in isolation; it must be a collective effort with solidarity across different nations. While they lead the charge for racial equality, others draw attention to broader topics in social injustice such as sexism and economic inequality. This is evident in youth led actions, which unite diverse groups with the goal of fighting against oppressive systems. The youth play an essential role in fostering unity across movements, across nations, and across oceans. They demonstrate that the fight for justice is part of a larger battle, which we need to win for the future of humankind.
By building these coalitions, young people are strengthening the fight for justice and pushing for systemic change that benefits all. Today’s youth are not just inheriting the fight against racial injustice—they are leading it. Through activism, education, and solidarity, they are shaping a future where equality and justice are no longer optional.