After delivering an impactful speech at the March For Our Lives event, one thing is certain: Mia Johnson is a future leader to watch. When the adults in power often behave immaturely, our youth take center stage to shine a light on societal issues. This was epitomized by 11-year-old Mia Johnson, who spoke with unwavering poise on behalf of African-American girls who are victims of gun violence.
Her message was powerful: black girls matter, and every innocent life lost to senseless violence deserves acknowledgment in this critical movement. On March 14, Mia led a walkout at her school as part of National Walkout Day, where students across the nation gathered peacefully for 17 minutes to honor the 17 victims of the Parkland shooting. Mia and her classmates stood for an additional minute to remember another victim, a young black girl named Jasmine Turner, who was tragically killed in a school shooting in Alabama shortly after Parkland.
“I am here today to represent African American girls whose stories don’t make the headlines, whose struggles don’t lead the evening news,” Mia declared. “I stand for the African American women who have fallen victim to gun violence, reduced to mere statistics instead of being celebrated as vibrant individuals with limitless potential.”
The narrative surrounding the Parkland students has often highlighted privilege, a reality they acknowledge and are eager to rectify. Just a day before the march, students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School engaged in a dialogue with their peers from the Thurgood Marshall Academy in Washington, D.C., discussing media bias and the importance of giving a voice to students of color affected by gun violence.
“For too long, these names, these black girls and women, have been reduced to mere numbers,” Mia explained to the audience. “I am here to say ‘never again’ for those girls.”
At just 11 years old, her confident and impassioned delivery left a lasting impression. Why do we ever underestimate the wisdom of our children? Didn’t we learn from the past that their voices matter?
“Some people claim I’m too young to express my own thoughts,” she continued. “Others suggest I’m simply a tool for some shadowy adult. That’s not true. My friends and I may be just 11 and still in elementary school, but we understand that life isn’t fair for everyone, and we know right from wrong.”
Today’s children have access to information in ways that previous generations did not. The entire world is quite literally at their fingertips, so why shouldn’t they engage in national discussions about issues that directly impact their lives, such as gun violence? When kids are being shot in their classrooms or on their way home, it’s imperative that all young voices are heard in this crucial movement. The victims Mia represents aren’t just reading about these tragedies—they’re experiencing them daily.
Mia also pointed out that in just seven years, she and her peers will have the right to vote. I know I won’t forget her name—nor will I forget the names of other young girls like her. Wherever they lead, we should all be prepared to follow.
“I urge everyone here and everyone who hears my voice to help tell the stories that often go untold,” Mia encouraged. “Let’s honor the girls and women of color who are murdered at disproportionate rates in our nation. Let’s work together to reshape the narrative so that these girls and women are never forgotten.”
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In summary, the powerful voice of youth, as demonstrated by Mia Johnson, brings critical attention to the often-ignored issues facing black girls in America today. As they advocate for change, it’s essential for all of us to listen and support their cause, ensuring every story is told. For more information about pregnancy and insemination, resources like IVF Babble offer excellent insights, while Make A Mom provides guidance on fertility supplements.