In celebration of Martin Luther King Day, the Library will exhibit We the Future, a poster campaign that “features [ten] young leaders from social change movements.” Created by Amplifier in partnership with artists Shepard Fairey, Rommy Torrico, Munk One, and Kate DeCiccio, “this project will place art and supporting teaching tools representing these young leaders and their movements into more than 20,000 schools across the country, to inspire and engage the next generation” (Amplifier).
The ten activists, ranging in ages from 13-29, “are working to encourage people to vote, address climate change, rethink the immigration system, create opportunity in our education system, and address gun violence…” As part of the poster campaign and supporting curriculum, each featured activist selected a non-profit organization to highlight their cause.
If you are unable to see the posters in person, or would like to know more about those featured and their non-profit partner, we have provided more information below.
We The Future, activists and organizations:
- Lindsay Amer, queer activist, Queer Kid Stuff
- Lydia X.Z. Brown, disability justice advocate, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
- Isra Chaker, immigration justice advocate, Oxfam
- Amanda Gorman, youth literacy activist, 826 National
- Paul S. John, gun violence prevention advocate, Million Hoodies Movement for Justice
- “Leah the Activist,” immigrant rights activist, Families Belong Together
- Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, environmental justice advocate, Earth Guardians
- Winter BreeAnne Minisee, youth voter mobilizer, Women’s March Youth EMPOWER
- Ismael Nazario, criminal justice reform advocate, Performing Statistics
- Amanda Nguyen, civil rights activist, RISE
The We the Future posters and other artwork from Amplifier are available to download and view here.
The Observer article, Political Posters by Shepard Fairey and Others are Coming to 20,000 US Classrooms provides more information about the poster campaign and Amplifier’s work.
Academy Library Blog 