Throughout history, young people have been instrumental in highlighting social issues and being on the front lines of change. The rallies, marches, protest art and so many other forms of resistance have been at the core of youth led movements for justice and equity. I think of a young John Lewis and the freedom riders, Malala Yousafzai and young girls everywhere fighting for access to high quality education and Antoinette Si-to-lee, Hector Peterson and the South African Youth of Sowetho. The courage and resilience of youth continue to shape our world for the better as we strive for equity for all.

In today’s conversation we will discuss the role of youth in our most pressing social issues and ways we can build a community of support for change.

With so much going on in the U.S. today in terms of social and political unrest, our discussion today will focus on reconciliation and how it may lead to bridge the divisiveness in our country. In its most general sense reconciliation refers to a condition of nonviolent, mutually acceptable coexistence where former enemies come to re-envision one another as fellow citizens. Although reconciliation has taken many forms around the world it pushes society to break through hard truths in order to create a more unified society.