By Tara Al-Haddad and Lydia Minko, Year 10 Journalist Leaders

From the murder of 18 year old child Stephen Lawrence, to 46 year old father George Floyd, the public has been increasing their depth of understanding on the history of race and culture. The tragic incidents of both these murders have opened the eyes of the British and American public specifically, to the cruel reality of brutal racism. These cases have also educated the public on the meaning of racism, and our inclination to deny that racism is a problem in society. More people internationally have been aware of these racial occurrences due to the expansive field of social media, and the ability of shaping young minds to suit our attempt of making a civilized society. 

Because of the vast expanse of social media, it’s often hard to separate fact from fiction. What is not fiction however, is the systematic racism that plagues everyday lives. Gen Z is one of the most informed generations through our connections to the outside world. After the death of George Floyd on the 25th of May which sparked huge protests in America, Gen Z rose up to challenge the racism integrated in the police force. Due to national lockdowns, many people couldn’t attend protests but were able to contribute by other means: petitions, posters, raising awareness. Many of these things would not have happened, had it not been for the countless social media users and influencers advocating and speaking for the voiceless. Social media platforms allow teens to experience and educate themselves about certain topics and allows for them to make decisions for what they choose to believe in. So before you tell your child that social media is pointless, unhealthy and non-educational, and banishing them from it, think to yourself:  are you fueling this ignorance which could also be to blame for the issue taking so long to come to light in the first place? 

Each year group at NHEHS votes on which charity to support for their year’s charity initiatives over a month. Our own Year 10s felt strongly about these issues and decided to support the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust which has impacted the lives of many people of colour. Since the murder of Stephen Lawrence in a racist attack in 1993, many young people of colour find it hard to face the struggles of discrimination and feel disadvantaged due to this. With the power of social media, and influencers raising awareness, a lot of people are starting to educate themselves on the topic and understand that skin colour is not an inequality, it’s what’s on the inside that matters. The media broadens young minds and feeds them information about current issues, whether or not they are directly affected.

We hope that through our fundraising and highlighting these issues we can make a difference, however big or small.