The stakes could not be higher.
Across the country, attacks on Black rights, civil liberties and citizenship are accelerating. Freedoms once thought untouchable—speech, protest, voting rights—are under siege. Each week seems to bring another erosion: journalists fired for speaking out, comedians punished for satire, political leaders openly threatening citizens for dissent.
Meanwhile, the rhetoric of figures like Charlie Kirk, whom some believe to be racist, is not only tolerated but repackaged for mainstream consumption.
In the midst of these assaults, young people—especially Black and Brown youth—are asking harder questions. “If democracy is crumbling, what are we going to do about it?” is replacing “Does my vote even matter?” in dorm rooms, barbershops and on TikTok feeds.
The urgency is clear: unless this generation is plugged into civic education and action, the hard-won gains of previous movements could slip away.
Historical mandate of youth
History shows us that young people have always been on the frontlines of justice. From the high school students who filled the jails of Birmingham in 1963, to the college students who launched SNCC, to the youth who ignited Black Lives Matter, progress has always depended on their courage.
Today’s challenges—voter suppression, attacks on free expression, economic precarity, white nationalist violence—demand the same level of vision and resolve.
“Quite often, there are outside influences or structural obstacles to connecting our youth to civic engagement,” said Carmela Walker, program manager for the Houston Area Urban League’s Center for Social Justice and Education. “The vote is essential. In 2022 and 2023, about 70% of young voters under 40 didn’t cast a ballot. We want to connect 1964–65 issues with 2025 issues to show the interconnectedness.
“Was there an evolutionary or revolutionary opportunity for our youth then? And is there one now? I believe we are in that time.”
Civic education as resistance
For many Houston leaders, civic education isn’t just about voter registration drives or handing out pamphlets. It’s about empowerment, equipping young adults to defend themselves against the systemic dismantling of their rights.
“The importance of civic education lies in staying informed about current social issues and helping young people gain clarity on why civic responsibility is a duty—especially in today’s sociopolitical climate,” said Greater Houston Director of the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute, Ryon D. Lee. “As new policies create barriers to engagement, educating young adults becomes not only empowering, but a way to break down those barriers. It builds confidence in their rights and makes it harder for others to violate them.”
“As new policies create barriers to engagement, educating young adults becomes not only empowering, but a way to break down those barriers.”
Ryon D. Lee, Greater Houston Director, Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute
That confidence matters. Without it, disengagement grows. With it, a generation can rise to meet the moment.
Youth perspective
For Houston’s youth, the urgency is deeply personal. Benjamin Glover, a 17-year-old who already manages a political campaign, puts it plainly.
“Democracy is how we come together to build the future,” said Glover. “As a young person, I’m worried that I’ll never be able to own a home or build a family. But apathy is not a solution. Voter education and civic engagement matter for the same reason community involvement matters.
“No man is an iceberg. We are part of a community. Look around you—what could you do to change the world into a more compassionate place?”
His words echo a truth that older generations must remember: Today’s youth are not only leaders in training—they are already leading.
‘Passing the Torch’
Recognizing this, a coalition of organizations is launching the “Passing the Torch: Civic Engagement Arts Experience,” an event designed to inspire and equip 18- to 24-year-olds for civic action.
“The ‘Civic Engagement Arts Experience’ is an opportunity to empower youth, to inspire youth, to let them know there is support,” said Walker. “We’re fusing arts and civic duties, amplifying culture, heritage and traditions. And we want our youth to know that we’re there for them, that we support them, and that they’re being heard.”
Participating groups include the Young Invincibles, Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute, District D Office of Councilmember Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Freedom Faith Food Coalition, Legal Defense Fund, Ensemble Theater, the TSU Debate Team and student groups from Prairie View A&M University and the University of Houston.
Lee adds that the symbolism of the event matters.
“The past generations are passing the torch to young adults to add to the legacy our ancestors built and fought for,” said Lee. “Through passing the torch, we build trust and confidence in young adults to become eminent leaders.”
The road ahead
Walker believes that empowering young leaders via civic education is not only mandatory but potentially beneficial for Black people and the nation.
“It’s really important that our youth understand their position, and the fact that we need them and that we’re in support of all that they do, even though it seems that there’s a disconnect between those of us who came before and those youth who are in the fight now.
“When you look at groups like SNCC back in the day, they were definitely motivated to get out here and make that change. Today’s young people are too.”
