IGNITE's Blog

On Tuesday, April 20, 2021, we all witnessed one of the most critical verdicts of our lifetimes that is setting the precedent for future generations. We witnessed accountability - a step in our journey to dismantling systemic racism in the United States. While this is a step towards justice, the work persists. No matter what the verdict was, it will not bring back George Floyd. When we say BLACK LIVES MATTER, we mean we should have the right to live, that people should see all people as humans, and that we should create a world where it is set up for people to thrive. 

Tarana Burke is the founding member of the Me Too Movement, a social movement against sexual violence and sexual assault. Born in a working-class family in the Bronx, Burke was sexually assaulted during her childhood and teenage years. Her experiences motivated her to work toward uplifting women of color. 

Content warning: Sexual assault Reporting and talking about trauma is one of the many challenges survivors of sexual assault face. Especially for college women, whose age bracket experiences sexual assault at the highest rate, they need safer spaces to have these brave conversations and report their experience. This is where the “Campus Accountability Safety Act” enters the scene to expand upon the work of Title IX and the Clery Act. 

Starting a college chapter with your friends may sound intimidating but trust me, it’s a lot easier than you think. In fact, it’s an intriguing experience that helps you collaborate with others, manage time efficiently, and can lead to lifelong friendships.

We often hear about changes happening at the national, state, and local levels, but what about on your school campus? Regardless of whether you’re in high school or college, there’s always a need for public service and leadership. There’s no need to wait until graduation to be an elected leader making change. Sometimes, the best person to help solve the problem is you! 

Content warning: sexual assault 

Content warning: Sexual assault 

Letitia “Tish” James, the first woman elected as New York’s Attorney General and the first woman of color to serve a statewide NY office, is a passionate public servant presently paving the way for future generations of women leaders.

At twenty years old, Deja Foxx is not afraid to advocate for reproductive health, educational reform, and protecting Title X. She’s making herstory today as a young woman trailblazer who is not afraid to use her voice and fight for her rights.

Senator Mazie Hirono was born in Fukushima, Japan. Because she had an unstable father, her mother risked everything to escape to the US for a new life for her children. Once in Hawaii, their lives were challenging as she struggled to learn English and her mother worked two jobs to pay the bills. Despite the barriers, her love of learning flourished with trips to the library and a newly found passion for public service.