Black women in activism have been at the forefront of current social, political, and cultural movements, fighting for empowerment and equality. Today’s Black women activists use their voices and platforms to challenge systemic injustice, shaping a more equitable world, where their contributions are seen, heard, and celebrated.
Concerning contemporary struggles for racial equity, below are three Black women who currently are forcing their voices to be heard.
Zyahna Bryant was just 15 years old when beginning her movement for empowerment and representation. Known for her 2016 pursuit to remove the Robert E. Lee monument — a confederate general — in Charlottesville, Virginia, Bryant made a significant contribution to the Black community.
Beyond her work on monuments, Bryant has been involved in various initiatives including working with Black Lives Matter and founding the Black Student Union at Charlottesville High School, providing students with a platform for their desire for change.
At 24 years old, Bryant is working on her master’s in history at the University of Virginia and travels around the U.S., delivering speeches on the power of youth and the importance of taking action. Bryant today continues her purpose, running for a seat on the Charlottesville School Board.
Amanda Gorman is a writer, poet, and activist who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in sociology. Using her platform as a poet, she advocates for racial equality, gender justice, and youth empowerment.
At just 19, Gorman made history in 2017 as the first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate. In 2021, she captivated the nation with her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” at President Joe Biden’s inauguration, calling for unity and collective action.
Gorman has since delivered a powerful speech at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, appeared in interviews on NBC and CBS News, and been featured in The New York Times demonstrating her stance on youth empowerment and social change.
Now 26, Gorman is promoting her children’s book, “Girls on the Rise,” which celebrates girlhood and the power of young girls to shape society.
Chelsea Miller, a Brooklyn native and Columbia graduate, has become a powerful voice in racial justice and digital activism. After working on criminal justice reform in the Obama White House, she co-founded Freedom March NYC, a youth-led civil rights organization, that provides a platform for youth and communities of color for social change.
Using her vast digital platform, Miller has partnered with major brands like Nike and Versace and reached over 1.5 million people through social media campaigns. Her impact extends to nationwide speaking engagements, including Madison Square Garden and the March on Washington.
Recognized by Forbes and CNN, Miller received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, became a commentator for NowThisNEXT, and was an honoree on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Miller’s work spans racial justice, women’s leadership, and climate change, bridging the past and present struggles for equality.
These young Black women activists—Zyahna Bryant, Amanda Gorman, and Chelsea Miller—are shaping the future of social justice through their voices and actions. Their tireless work in advocating for racial equality and empowerment inspires and ignites change in their communities.
