The Generation of Social Justice
“Environmental justice is close to my heart because my family was in Puerto Rico when Hurricane Maria struck in 2017. The island contributes minimally to global emissions, but has been quick to experience first-hand how climate change is increasing the intensity and duration of hurricanes. The lack of priority given to their recovery by the United States in the aftermath is unacceptable, and fueled my passion for advocacy. It’s so important to raise awareness about this issue because it affects us no matter where we live. As global citizens, it’s our responsibility to care for Mother Earth and each other because there is no Planet B.”
- Marissa Naclerio
“Sexual violence against women is still a prevalent issue, whether we would like to admit it or not. We have to begin creating a dialogue on this problem and stop viewing it as taboo. Many of the women in my life have been sexually harassed or assaulted in some way. In fact, a majority of the women I know are victims of sexual harassment. The fact that it is the majority is terrifying. The victims are not to blame, their clothes are not to blame, their sobriety is not to blame. The issue lies with the fact that we, as a society, encourage men to take what they want, without consequence. Create a dialogue, make people uncomfortable; their discomfort pales in comparison to the suffering the victims of sexual violence experience.”
- Pallavi Goel
“The daily struggle of the black man is one that no other race in this nation knows. As someone with African descent, I know the pain can leave a black individual beaten, bruised, defeated. Whether discrimination comes from the police, the justice system, or just average citizens, the black man is always held down.”
- Terrance O'Sullivan