Introduction: Politics was not originally made for people of color. Over time, people of color have progressed graciously in the polls, pulpit, and legislative processes. Generation Z has done a phenomenal job of standing up and fighting for ethical rights in today’s political economy. Over 50 years ago, people of color were penalized for trying to exercise their right to vote. Today, we have people of color serving in high positions in the United States Political System and all over the world.
Recently, I interviewed two political Science students to get their perspectives on Politics and their future plans as they step into the political arena. These students have already made their mark by being involved in their collegiate politics and others have taken a step further and made an impact beyond their college campus.
The People Who Weighed In…
Adrianna Stewart is a Junior, Honors, Political Science, and Sports Medicine double major from Little Rock, Arkansas. In the near future, she plans to graduate from Howard University before attending Law School and obtaining her Juris Doctorate degree.
Raquel Muniz is a Junior, political science major, sociology minor from Denver, Colorado. In the near future, she plans to pursue a Juris Doctorate at Columbia University and become a Civil Rights Attorney or a Criminal Defense Attorney.
Their Answers
What is your definition of politics?
Stewart: I would define politics as something along the lines of power & control of affairs determined and influenced by people or groups.
Muniz:My definition of politics is the certain methods or tactics used to run a government. Politics can be the exercise of power, the studying of governments, or anything dealing with government and power. This was a tricky question for me because I believe anything can be politics. Politics runs so deep within our society that any little thing can be politics or political.
What sparked your interest in Politics?
Stewart: A National Government class I took in the fall of my freshman year is what lit the spark. While I’d always been surrounded by politics, the actual interest and involvement didn’t begin until that semester. That class was everything and more. It exposed me to a side of politics that I could relate to and as a result, I was hooked. So much so, that I picked up Political Science as an additional major and have done relatively well in building a career in politics ever since.
Muniz: My interest in politics was sparked in middle school when I was confronted with the many unfair and unjust political systems that Black and Brown people had to go through at such young ages. I was witnessing the school to prison pipeline occur in my middle school and I was witnessing the system of mass incarceration occur in my high school. I began to realize and understand that if I want change for my people it would have to be done in the political field. I realized it is the laws and policies that keep Black and Brown people chained in these unfair and unjust systems. I decided I would need to be involved in politics to make the change I wanted to see.
What do you think that your generation has or will contribute to politics that other generations haven’t?
Stewart: I think my generation has that fire and boldness that is rare to find. We refuse to sit back, and watch injustices happen. We’re marching. We’re fighting. We’re speaking out. We’re calling people out. We’re not afraid to tell people that they need to do more than just the bare minimum, and we will speak our minds with ease. I believe my generation will continue to greatly contribute to politics in ways we haven’t seen before.
Muniz: I believe that our generation has unity between all races. As we have seen, many people in the older generation are extremely divisive when it comes to simple human rights. However, I feel that our generation is sticking together and standing up together. Look at all the protests for example, they haven’t stopped for weeks and that is because our generation understands that we need to come together and continue to fight against the injustices. Our generation is contributing that fight to politics.
Do you see yourself with a political future?
Stewart:I do, but I’m still trying to figure out which path I’d like to take, as I have so many political interests and the options are limitless.
Muniz: I absolutely see myself with a political future. I plan on becoming a criminal defense attorney or a civil rights attorney. My whole life I have been around and involved in politics and I know that whatever I end up doing it will be in the political field.
Who is your presidential pick and why?
Stewart:There were so many valuable candidates running to serve as the Democratic nominee, which made it harder for me to narrow down to just one candidate that I was 100% behind. That said, Biden received the nominee and that’s who I plan to vote for in November because I refuse to support someone who brings about division and says things that are downright sexist and racist.
Muniz: My presidential pick is Joe Biden. Unfortunately, Bernie was not picked as the Democratic Nominee, so I have to go with who was chosen. I am voting for Joe Biden because we need to get Trump out of the white house.
Will you make a difference in politics or will you watch someone else do it?
Stewart: I will be making a difference in politics, regardless of what area I go into. As Shirley Chisholm so graciously said, “ You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas.”
Muniz: I plan on making a difference in politics. I plan to dismantle mass incarceration, the school to prison pipeline, and the many other unjust systems that target Black and Brown people. You cannot want to see change and just sit and wait for someone to do it. You have to take that initiative upon yourself to make the change. I plan on making that change.
Conclusion:The future is female. Generation Z has not only become of age to vote but also they are of ages where they can be taken seriously. The November 2020 election will be very interesting. I can only hope that young people continue their fight for justice where it really matters: the voting poll. Voting is essential to democracy. It not only serves as a bull horn to injustices and mistreatment. It also serves as a check and balance for elected representatives when they try to abuse their position of power. These young ladies are setting the stage for great leadership within their cities, states, and the world. Make your mark and get out to vote while doing so.
