By Laniyah McNeil, rising senior, King-Drew HS
Walking into this program, I did not identify as a feminist, nor did I acknowledge topics of racism, or sexism, in the Black community. Not because I was ignorant, but because I thought “what could little ole me know about activism, or speaking up?” I’ve always thought that it was best to keep my comments as thoughts because I was scared of being wrong or others disagreeing with me. So instead, I sat back and watched things unfold, biting my tongue while overhearing my homeboys and sometimes my cousins having misogynistic conversations.
After joining WLP and learning about Ida B Wells, coping mechanisms, reading Hood Feminism, and learning about sex trafficking, I am now leaving this program a young Black feminist who encourages her friends to be open minded and have difficult conversations. I’ve become someone who speaks up for herself and for those who cannot speak for themselves.
I now realize two things. First, it is important that I use the technology my generation has been gifted with to ensure that Black stories are told correctly. Second, that other students around me should be educated on social issues that most schools don’t prioritize. There are ways to make a difference besides standing in front of a chanting crowd with a mic. Social media has shaped what feminism looks like for my generation. We have the ability to use our platforms to share our experiences, and reach a broader audience to connect with women and strengthen our fight for equality beyond what mainstream feminism pushes. I saw this after the 2024 election, when Tiktok was filled with young women processing the same feelings of loss and disappointment, connecting over something mainstream feminism rarely centers: how race and gender shape who people trust.
Mainstream feminism still leaves out the day to day struggles of women of color. Women of color searching for a job, fighting for equal pay, and educational opportunities are not prioritized. More often thatn not, the plight of white women fighting to be the head of million dollar corporations becomes a central focus. Most women cannot relate to that. That is the gap I want my interpretation of feminism to fill.
As a Gen Z young person, feminism to me means putting young boys in their place, breaking generational curses, and societal barriers that make it hard for young girls to see the light at the end of the tunnel. My generation often feels that they are limited in what we are able to pursue in the long run, and I refuse to accept that limitation as a fact. Feminism means giving myself permission to go after my passions without asking whether they’re “appropriate”. As Iris Jacob wrote, “young women are raised to be caretakers”.
However, although we are raised this way, it doesn’t mean we have to be this way. Feminism means speaking up instead of biting my tongue, and making sure the next girl who thinks “what could little ole me know” never has to wonder that at all.
Laniyah McNeil is an upcoming high school senior with aspirations of studying psychology and pursuing a career as a clinical therapist after college. She enjoys writing, and inspiring positivity and change in others.
