2016 has been a terrible year, but the actions of young people have made it just a little bit brighter.
This year, kids impacted how we look at business, entertainment, social justice and more by using their talents and voices for good.
Little Miss Flint, for example, helped turn the nation’s attention to Flint, Michigan’s devastating water crisis. Marley Dias collected more than 7,000 books in which the main character was a black girl to give to charity. And “Black-ish” star Yara Shahidi was consistently outspoken about inclusion and representation in Hollywood.
There were so many black kids and teens who made a difference this year. We’ve rounded up 12 young people who stood out and made 2016 better for all of us.
-
JIM WATSON via Getty Images
In the midst of a water crisis in her city, Little Miss Flint turned the nation’s attention to a serious issue that was being ignored. She wrote to President Barack Obama asking him to visit Flint, Michigan to meet her and address the devastating crisis.
He gratefully obliged.
-
Rich Polk via Getty Images
Shahidi shined this year in more ways than one. Aside from killing it on “Black-ish” every week, the teen was consistently outspoken about representation in Hollywood,
climate change and youth empowerment. Though she can’t vote yet,
Shahidi was very vocal about the importance of others exercising their right. She even
interviewed Rep. John Lewis at the Democratic National Convention this year.
-
Jim Bennett via Getty Images
Mikaila Ulmer literally turned lemons into lemonade. She began selling lemonade made with honey in an effort to save the bees. This year, Whole Foods offered her an
$11 million deal and shelf space in 55 stores across the country.
-
Cameron Sterling was unfortunately thrust into the public eye when his dad,
Alton Sterling, was fatally shot by police in front of a Baton Rouge gas station. Though his response was reasonably emotional during a press conference after Alton’sdeath, Camerontold the world thathis dad’s life mattered.”I really want everyone to know, everyone nationwide, everyone in this world, to know that Alton Sterlingwas a good man,”
Cameron said. “No matter what anyone else has to say about him, truly in my heart, I know he was a good dad.”
-
Taylor Hill via Getty Images
-
Gilbert Carrasquillo via Getty Images
Marley’s year started off strong in January when she wassick of reading books about white boys and dogs. Shecollected more than 7,000books in which the main characters are black girls for her donation drive
#1000BlackGirlBooks. Marley also interviewed Hillary Clinton for her zine on Elle called “
Marley’s Mag.”
-
After being bullied because of her size, Egypt Ufele decided tochannel the negativity she was receiving into something positive. So Egypt learned to sew and design clothes. In February, she debuted her clothing line for all sizes,
Chubiiline, at New York Fashion Week.
-
Gregg DeGuire via Getty Images
Disney actress Skai Jackson is a remarkable role model thanks to her self-confidence.She was a good sport when the internet
turned her into a meme and showed nothing but class when she stood up to Azealia Banks’ cyberbullying. She told The Huffington Postthat she doesn’t pay attention to the haters, “
I’m just rooting for myself.”
-
BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images
Zianna Oliphant made headlines when she gave a
moving speech during a townhall in Charlotte, North Carolina after the death of Keith Lamont Scott.Its a shame that our fathers and mothers are killed and we cant see them anymore, she said.
-
Nyeeam “King Nahh” Hudson
spreads the message of self-love and confidence to his peers and their parents through his powerful motivational speeches. With more than 75,000 followers on Instagram, Nyeeam offers advice on how to deal with bullies and encourages others to value education.
-
Kevin Mazur via Getty Images
Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/black-kids-who-rocked-the-world-in-2016_us_58542658e4b08debb788a8b0
