In the wake of her powerful speech at the March For Our Lives event, one thing is abundantly clear: young Lena Thompson is a voice we need to hear. As adults often display childish behavior, it is increasingly evident that our youth are stepping up to highlight the pressing issues affecting society. This was exemplified by 11-year-old Lena Thompson, who delivered a captivating address on behalf of African-American girls who are tragically affected by gun violence.
Lena’s message resonates deeply: black girls matter, and every innocent victim of senseless gun violence deserves recognition in this critical movement. On March 14, Lena led her classmates in a walkout at her elementary school as part of National Walkout Day, where students nationwide peacefully protested for 17 minutes to honor the 17 lives lost in the Parkland shooting.
Standing outside for an additional minute, Lena and her peers paid tribute to a young girl named Tamara Hudson, who lost her life in a school shooting in Alabama shortly after the Parkland tragedy. “I am here today to represent African American girls whose stories don’t make the front pages of our newspapers or lead the nightly news,” Lena proclaimed. “I stand for the African American women who are victims of gun violence, who are reduced to mere statistics rather than celebrated as the vibrant individuals they are.”
Privilege has been a significant topic in the discussions surrounding the Parkland students, and it’s a reality they recognize and aim to change. Just a day before the march, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School met with peers from the Urban Academy in D.C. to foster dialogue about media representation and how to elevate the voices of students of color impacted by gun violence.
“For too long, these names, these black girls and women, have been reduced to numbers,” Lena stated with conviction. “I’m here to declare ‘never again’ for those girls as well.” At just 11 years old, her poise and passionate delivery sent chills down my spine. Why do we ever underestimate the power of children? Didn’t Mr. Rogers teach us that doing so is a mistake?
“Some people say I’m too young to think for myself,” she continued. “They claim I’m just a puppet for some unseen adult. That’s simply not true. My friends and I may be in elementary school, but we are aware. We understand that life isn’t fair for everyone, and we can differentiate between right and wrong.”
Today’s kids have access to information in ways that previous generations did not; the vast world of knowledge is at their fingertips. Why shouldn’t they be included in national conversations about issues that directly affect their lives, like gun violence? When children are being shot in classrooms or during their walks home, it’s crucial for all children and teenagers to have a voice in this movement. The victims Lena represents aren’t just reading about these tragedies online; they are living through them daily.
Lena also reminded the audience that in just seven years, she and her peers will be able to vote. I know I won’t forget her name—not in seven years, and not in twenty. Wherever Lena and other young leaders go, we must follow their lead.
“I urge everyone here and everyone who hears my voice to join me in amplifying the stories that remain untold,” she said. “Let’s honor the girls and women of color who are murdered at disproportionate rates in our nation. I call on each of you to help me craft the narrative for this world, ensuring that these girls and women are never forgotten.”
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In summary, young Lena Thompson is a remarkable advocate for African-American girls whose stories are often overlooked. Her confident and passionate plea for recognition and justice serves as a reminder that the voices of our youth are powerful and essential in the fight against gun violence and social inequality.