This conversation took place in honor of the lives and legacies of #AhmaudArbery and #DreasjonReed, the young men whose lives were hatefully taken away from them in 2020. Joining us today are seven incredible Gen Z activists for a much-needed discussion on discrimination, gun violence, and hate crimes in the US, and we recorded this discussion on the day that would have been Ahmaud Arbery’s 26th birthday. There is no singular or simple answer to combating racism, but everything must start with a conversation. 

Meet our panelists and check out their work to continue the conversation: 

Brandon Dasent is a former student of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, Florida, where a gunman killed 17 people on February 14, 2018; and is currently in the process of transferring to USF from the University Of New Orleans. Brandon, along with Mei-Ling Ho-Shing, Tyah Amoy-Roberts, and Kai Koerber co-founded the student coalition S.T.O.R.M. (Students Tactically Organizing Revolutionary Movements). The activists have taken the nation *by STORM* starting conversations about the common links between gun violence in urban communities and affluent communities. They also register first time and irregular voters to make sure everyone has a chance to take action to change the country for the better.

Deborah Olatunji is a writer, award-winning poet, education activist, public speaker, and the author of Unleashing Your Innovative Genius: High School Redesigned. Deborah, a seventeen-year-old high school senior from New Castle, Delaware, is intensely passionate about being an igniter and catalytic force in the education system. As the founder of the Student Leadership Initiative Program (SLIP), she and her peers help other high school students to navigate their interests and passions through this mentorship-fueled social venture. It is a space where students can gather to share ideas, encourage and support one another, and tackle projects they believe will improve their communities. To connect with Deborah and learn more about her work to empower her generation, you can find her on Instagram and Twitter (@deb_olatunji), on LinkedIn, and on her website!

Joshua Turner is a Baltimore Native currently attending Albright College pursuing a triple major of political science, public policy and urban affairs. He views himself as a servant to his community and engages in social justice advocacy, gun violence prevention, economic development advocacy, community organizing and is a young political strategist. He has an article series inside the Afro Newspaper called “The Black Experience” where he addresses and provides a deep analysis of issues that have negatively impacted the black community. Lastly, Joshua Turner is a proud Conversationalist Advisory Board member and plans on making his life’s work addressing systemic abuse and institutional oppression through implementing root cause solutions while serving the immediate needs of the people. He plans on obtaining elected office and eventually becoming President.

Nupol Kiazolu is a powerhouse in the field of activism, from being on front lines of the Charlottesville protests to taping "Do I look suspicious?" behind her hoodie in the wake of Travyon Martin's death. Nupol Kiazolu is the President of Black Lives Matter Greater New York,Miss Liberia USA, Founder/CEO of her national campaign Vote 2000 and Star-Cast member of BET's hit docuseries CopWatch America. The Brooklyn-native has been a leading voice among Generation Z focusing on civil rights, domestic and sexual violence, and youth homelessness.When Nupol is not at Hampton University, striving to obtain her BA in Political Science, she is being recognized by Teen Vogue, Dosomething.org, Princeton University, and delivering speeches all around the world. Nupol is also the first HBCU student to be a part of Teen Vogue's 21 under 21 list. She plans to become a Civil Rights Attorney and Elected Official. 

Quentin Watts is an activi