Tools and resources they need to drive positive changes in their communities and in their schools. We are thrilled to continue this partnership and we support nick to elevate these voices around the country. Super excited to hear the youth speakers today. For you all, the young people that are raising invoices to help shape your communities were glad youre here. Thank you very much. [applause] you mention the amazing young people that are up here today. My name is Stephanie Cruz and im am on the boardam of this challenge. This is exceptionally exciting that we are going to hear the soapbox. 25000 young people who have participated in the soapbox challenge in the country. We are very lucky to hear these amazing stories. Im going to turn it overr to gt us kicked off. [applause] wonderful thank you both so much. So myself and my colleague we will be emceeing today had we are just thrilled to hear the speeches these brave young people who are you going to speak out on the issues that matter to them, that they want to see change. I wont be speaking so much today because we really want to center their voices and their wisdom and listen to their perspective. Without further ado, im going to call our first speaker mohammed. Come on up. [applause] 35000, that is the number ofs innocent souls put to rest since 2012 by gun violence. Did they deserveve it. Absolutely not. And yet here we are talking about them in past tense. My name is Mohamed Adams and i come before you to talk about the tragic and violence epidemic that occurs in the United States. Since the horrifying School Shooting in connecticut sandy hook elementary school, there has been more than 1600 and Mass Shootings. While the families of those who have been killed in these ludicrous incidents drowned in grief. The government watches with glassy eyes. Many attempts to protect and serve the interests of the public, is continue to be undermined. The unprecedented ideals of gun violence continues to be subverted as if it is not a real issue. Gun violence is a cruel and inhumane and a cast of chronic problem and only america dilemma. In 2018, the shooting at a bar in oaks california, mark the 307 mass shooting in 2018. To put that in perspective, when that occurred, it was 312 days into the air claiming that the us had nearly as many Mass Shootings as days. As many Mass Shootings as days. How disappointing to everyday a possibility of a mass shooting possibility is still active anda real. In 2015, loan. 2824 children children who are clueless of dangerous and evil world where the arent even safe where they spend most of their lives in and to spiting birthday, their kindergarten graduation and awaiting, too tightly had their parents once i get out of school they died by gunshot. An additional 13723 were injured. If we are capable of building walls and locking immigrants from coming and then we are able to burn those walls that do nothing about gun violence in their blind chart cited to those who have suffered. I call for action to you is to make sure the armed guns are out of the criminals hands. Demand them to have more blockage forum to buy guns. But an 18 yearold should never should never have access to an Assault Rifle. Are you kidding me. Are you kidding me. An 18 yearold who has very grasped a responsibility of adulthood has access to an Assault Rifle what planet are we living in. Ill tell you, the planet where we learned from san bernardino, we learn from the synagogues in pittsburgh combine, the most in new zealand. But we did not learn to do something. In fact anything for those 2824 children. And you want to know the saddest part, places of worship are under assault every time a bullet is more important than life. Do what ist needed until this place can be saved for the future generations in america. Enough is enough. Thank you. U. [applause] thank you mohammed. Can i tell you are right they are from great moment was from new york queens. A book is a wonderful piece of magic. They can transport you to another world. It can give you a glimpse into the life of another person. It teaches you empathy. For children, reading is vital. Children from low income families need books thero most. They need that escape. That hope. That hope for a better future. However, it seems that these children are our lowest priority when it comes to reading. Over 8. 7 million low income students are not proficient in reading. These are the kids who are going to make up the future of our nation. It is imperativeur that we give them the resources they need, and deserve. How can we dow that. Libraries are not getting the funding they need. In 2013, the budget appropriated only 0. 06 percent of their money towardsbr libraries. How can we grow and improve when we are taking something as magical as libraries for asgranted. Now some people still may not believe that this is a problem. Oaks are disappearing to makepe way for a new era the era of technology. Technology is a wonderful thing, but studies show that children growing up in homes with books, average three years more schooling and children growing up in homes without books. Thats regardless of the parents class occupation and education. In addition to this, a study by a Reading Agency shows that reading can reduce anxiety and stress. Increased selfesteem and even reduce symptoms of depression. Its magic. So, now that you know the problem, heres what i need you to do. Support organizations that will solve this problem. Such as reading fundamental. Most importantly, read. By reading to the children in your life, and encouraging them to read, we can move with a stronger better tomorrow. Thank you. [applause], thank you iv, next up is malika. [applause] hi this is my soapbox speech. Before i began, id like to asko if everyone can see me well. Can you now. [laughter] great because in the ice people of color are seen as invisible. No matter what wee abolished, no matter what we establish we will still be there. O and then the words of Martin Luther king junior is on word dangerous and conscientious stupidity. According to npr africanamericans when dealing with the leases 50 percent with a job is 52 percent to receive the promotion is 57 percent going against skin color racism is not okay it has never been okay but those people that make excuses in the words of me is when skin color is different than yours. So if we can see that every race is equal that its darker it is less attractive according to society we see racist acts all the time and do not announce them. So personally join me on this journey to denounce this behavior in the thing is i am 13. This is summer i should be going to a pool Party Instead here i am telling the adults to shape up. [applause] im not done. [laughter] and you want to know why . The men that have the strongest dream of them all. [cheers and applause] up next we have nehemiah jackson. [inaudible conversations] have you ever heard from social media . What is happening all over the country are all over the world. This needs to end. They are turning a blind eye to the us citizens. In 218998 people had been stopped by police thats two people away from 10,219,418 were murdered by Us Police Officers and we are in the month of july. This is not how we should be treated because we are all human beings. To be by government officials i researched in 2172 Police Officers were charged they hit and kicked and threw them to the ground. What does the government do . Nothing. Police and government are o teaming up this is not right. Today want everybody to feel like family or like me. Or grandson or your son. My solution to have better training to deal with t the problem so that they haunderstand why they are being stopped by police. With criminal investigations Traffic Control selfdefense and computer skills. And then to deal with Mental Illnesses so they know how to handle their own anger they dont know how to handle their own. That if it is a dream. The rovers to mars then surely we can make a weapon that does not kill. May be a rubber bullet and in america one famous rapper to make us think they are the victims. [cheers and applause] up next. [applause] good afternoon. Today i have a sensitive topic i would love to talk to all of you about per guard like everyone in the audience close their eyes. You are drivein into a hut to an elderly woman tells you to strip off your close in the naked. The same woman brings over a sharp rusty orange knife slices off something in between your legs and you scream in agony and in pain you look at your mother for help but she looks at you and tells you to quiet down because youre being too loud. Now open your eyes. This is a story and reality of that delicate piece of flesh were her genitals her victim was the only crime to be a girl at the wrong place. I understand this is taboo to discuss and difficult to hear but it is a subject that little or no recognition. If everybody is too afraid to discuss this then progress will never be made. 44million under the age of 15 with that mutilation or circumcision. And with all or some of the female genitalia the whole purpose is to control a womans sexuality to ensure virginity and decreased pleasure. Is done by people with no medical knowledge and the consequences lead to ptsd anxiety infection, childbirth complications and death. It is a disgusting and horrible barbaric procedure that must be put to an end. One is by signing a petition population growth will outpace progress over the next 15 years. The number of women subjected to harmful drive on rise dramatically. And have their childhood deprived of them only six out of 195 countries have equal rights for men and women. Those are just as valuable and need someone to speak up for them. And please help me and female genital mutilation. Jaelyn johnson. [applause] School Shootings of no place in our country or anywhere. To be being Born Beautiful with big doe eyes. All of yours to love. You come home from work one day and you watch the news youre not surprised by what you see and then the news anchor says when will we learn that these just happened . The active shooter you call your mother you call everyone you know you pray and you bend at the waist and beg god. Is this the day he takes his lastta breath . In 1998 they had this exact same fear when a boy he murdered two of his classmates to in 2012 sandy hook elementary lost their babies because a grown man murdered 21t graders with a gun and in 2015 and a Community College a man murdered eight of his classmates because he felt he did not fit in. In 2018 a boy shoots up Marjorie Douglas high school killing 17 with a gun. The 2012 School Shootings in america have become terrifyingly consistent just in the two year time span between 2013 and 2015, 142 School Shootings have been reported as of 2018 that has grown at 239. Over 400 people have died as a result of open gunfire on the school campus. Teen homicides rose 27 percent in 2016 firearms contributed 87 percent this has Many Americans with the absolute band of guns. The idea like the muslim plan that was implemented our president is quicker to forbid a human being to enter the country then banning why already exist in our country. Might desk shouldnt have to defend me from bullets i dont have to worry if my willingness our teachers are willing to sacrifice their life to save mine not only as a citizen of the United States earth. A child of the i am not at war as a High School Student there is a desperate need for change as someone who is not yet allowed to vote i am for all of you when the time comes when that window of opportunity opens please vote for efficient gun laws for the future of america your babies. Your children. Your sons and daughters. We are embedded in a country that refuses to prioritize people over the safety of an adamant objects. [cheers and applause] thank you. Up next aria bowman. [applause] she was a pretty girl but she will not ever believe it she could find 1 million imperfections within one square inch of her body that mask of makeup to shield the eyes from her freckled face. Shes a pretty girl that she wont ever believe it. The crossed arms are too high that extra piece of cake that she thinks makes her fat. She wishes she wasnt so skinny shes a pretty girl. But she wont ever believe it. The thing she sees on tv tells her she is not good enough that she needs to be thin and tall and white and successful and have a small apt on appetite and thick. Shes a pretty girl but she wont ever believe it. If she wakes up in the morning with a visit on her face she cannot go to school because she sick she cries herself to sleep because when she looks in the mere she cannot stand herself. Shes a pretty girl but wont ever believe it she stays away from boys because they could not possibly love someone that looks like her. She was told she had to look a certain way to attract men like it is her job to attract men. She was told this is not how she looked. Shes a pretty girl she wont ever believe it. How could she believe it when society tells her every part of the way she looks is wrong . Put on weight are you healthy . You look manly. Guys dont like skinny girls you shouldnt wear bikinis you are ugly. Shes a pretty girl but she wont ever believe it. The body expectations they are eatenno alive. She wishes she loved but there will always be someone more beautiful. Shes a pretty girl but she wont ever believe it. Young girls are told to sit quiet and look pretty and be obedient and be perfect. When will we stop tearing ourselves apart over what the like . Tells us to look and then to find that courage to shine through. Shes a pretty girl and she knows it. [cheers and applause] up next is luke. [applause] did you know 91 percent so then to convert that waste material into new materials. Of eight. 3 billion metric tons six. Three are plastic waste. Only 9 percent have been recycled the vast majority so atpo some point could you imagine to eat that plastic and i . Over 100,000 marine creatures die every year. That is awful. By the end of 2016 2819 there will be billions of tons of plastic in the landfill that is 35000 times as heavy av the Empire State Building and 8 Million Metric Tons and the plastic trash around the world. Some but then with the recycling materials also reusing reusable water bottles. I want people to not be lazy and throw it with those materials to be recycled. I know a World Without trash. Also to float the clean ocean to fish the plankton so lets start today. [cheers and applause] i am sorry black man but the streets of the ghettos. But how your father might t be. I will pay you to work under the table. People are profiled and punish every day just for beingng themselves. As an active american africanamerican woman and with that fate that has come to me before i am born. With my hair or my close because my skin tone alone i can be labeled as the unsophisticated black girl. May have been run through the streets 82 percent of africanamericans are the most discriminated upon in society. Or how inequality could still for those who are apt to kill about first circulation but do we really believe all muslims have something to do with 9 11 . So Police Officers are so stcareless with those latinos. But then we will start to look at each other as equals. To reflect on ourselves we could have done something about it. The next time you see someone discriminated upon the put yourself in their shoes. Thank you come on down. [applause] the 13 lives of columbine, 27 of sandy hook. Fortynine at the polls nightclub and 58 at the Las Vegas Mass Shooting in the cocountless others. The feeling to reach the colorblind leaders. We saye ve we live in a free but how can we live there with the hate outside of our doors . We should be scared 393 million civilian firearms. And with those 36 percent and fthere is enough to out purchase each person in the country. We should be scared because we are not safe here. As students we are expected by the government to get up every morning and go toge school hoping that it will be safe. Nothing has changed since hook. Ine or sandy how are we supposed to trust a system that is failed the so many times before . Going out to have fun can and out think it will for the las vegas so it hasnt been for the victims we know that there is a chance we may never come home when we go to the grocery store. There were over 300 Mass Shootings. 300 times again was firing killing or injuring at least four people and we watched and let it happen. Hour was laws that happen letting people come into our schools and to work in places of worship ergo we are a nation divided by greed and hatred. Time and time again by the legislation and government and when asked they chose guns over our lives. The countless lost will forever be to our generation and generations to come with this horrific time for go there is something wrong people are expected to work itself out. We will not be sent into a war zone with their lives every day knowing there will be no change because we are not targets. We are your future. [cheers and applause] when i was four was a big sister to my first foster brother. We didnt share the same parents we shared the same birthday. He came into my life broken put into foster care suffered a fractured skull way he was one of the most joyful and loving people i know. The meaning of resilience. One of the most special relationships 437,000 youth in foster care. All needing a place to call home weather emergency that is only one or two nights or one that could ended adoptionat you dont truly provide a home if you dont treat them or love them as your own. These children come from places of pain and hurt whether abuse or neglect or trauma. On average a child will move seven times while in foster care. That is unfair they never get to settle in one place. But i will admit it scary to be a foster family that stood should not be a reason for people not to foster. Groups of siblings and kids with special needs constantly moving from home to home because theres not enough to provide them with the level of care that they need. And then the big question, i dont think i can do that what if you become emotionally attached . When it was time for my foster brother to reunite with his biological family it broke my heart but looking backbi is that we made a difference and it meant something he went home in a better place emotionally and physically than when he came there is no way to show someone they are truly valued and loved without becoming attached it means something to show them they are importantthth so what if you dont become attached should that be the real question . Thank you. [cheers and applause] cap next matthew being in. If you see someone wearing old ripped up close you may were he or she is dirty not worth your time this is called the preconception that we have for others can completely ruin a chance of a relationship that person could be your best friend yr when you dismiss them on the basis of how they look. I like so many other africanamericans have to hope the Police Officer does not see the color of my skin think im not automatically doing something illegal. During the summer everyone was fine i called the police to come resolve the issue as time passed and waited for the police i became more and more nervous. What if i move too fast . What if they think im going to shoot them or they shoot me because of that . In times like this i realize exactly the type of world we live in. We live in the type of world where community can be afraid of the very community to and is not just me that thinks like this according to National Geographic there is a script lower your eyes turn on interior lights keep your hands visible license and registration accessible and for god sake let the officer know what you are reaching for so he does not shoot you. The child does not have to be doing anything wrong. Even if there is just a little bit of color they should be cautious that should be on the brink of anxiety anytime the Police Arrive so many africanamericans dont call police that is just insane. And the solution is social media this technologybased world it can be one of the most influential periods of change in this is becoming so evident with trey von martin and Michael Brown black lives matter with the issue of the American Communities and to bring these concerns to your local t lawmaker to the legislative stage can create a wave of positiveis change of how we as a society view black culture and leslie if you happen to see someone with dirty clothes dark skin or Police Uniform release the preconception. Thank you. [cheers and applause] luna come on up. From the outside looking in having to keep the hatred concealed thinking of how the milano god itt better. To rival White Supremacy look at the complexion and all the while looking up at all of us. Although black women love their men beautifully ignorant. So to all of those for the women of color. So they can match their palms cousins and friends to continue down that same path. We need to stop separating ourselves on how dark or light we are unwrapping about his friends not a real negro. But yet you combined to say no. With a Steady Foundation he would have been in the house or working the fields. But we are always on the same plantation. In 2008 the university of georgia said the hue of ones skin has a psychological effect on the other africanamericans which is also well kept secret in the black community. So we lack from africans versus blacks. They should be faster then to call me the african booty scratcher. But there is a deep selfhatred within the black community. We lack awareness. How to stop it . Getting ready to enter another but we know more about how to love ourselves. And stop comparing ourselves. Enough to educate ourselves but you are hurting me. Just because they hate on us does not give us the right to choose. Thank you. [applause] thank you. Up next we have james hendrix. What the hell and why do we need it . We dont need it. We dont like it. We dont want it. Is not the best way to measure understanding and heranan knowledge. Does not d create diversity does not value creativity these should be eliminated these are too cruel to be used and should be abandoned. We should have those surveys to measure creativity and those issues and to have those effects and as we begin to lose confidence and eventually we lose interest in school. We are treated more like robots instead of human beings. And then to give us more freedom in the classroom to be ourselves. And finally we are tested but what about motivation or cooperation . Protest. Contact your superintendent or representative your mayor or congressman or even your president. Everybody can be gray in their very own way. Thank you. [applause] up next charlotte come on up. [applause]. This interpretation with the audience of the simultaneousi communication with the sound of silence with a voice are you aware of the struggles of everyday life . Those that are subject with the american disabilities act will provide services for students with disabilities that are not filled due to the shortage of interpreters for there is a shortage of sign Language Interpreters in the us this will only increase. Imagine of your deaf child is not given the same opportunity because there was not an interpreter for them. And one who spends the majority of her day without the interpreter. Many let their deaf child go to School Without the interpreter. But we have a solution. To be made aware as a careerof opportunity. Schools at scott Community College offer programs to qualify graduates to work making between 20 and 25 an hour. I am here to ask you to speak to your school and administration about incorporating asl into high school. So they can look at that as a careerer path. And speak out to the need to hire qualified interpreters. If we dont come together 20 percent of deaf children will never have a voice. Thank n you. Thank you charlotte. Up next raven. [applause] are you listening . Are you listening quick so how about you back there . I have a few words for you see better listen close. It hits you all of a sudden and its the middle of thehe day surrounded by friends and the sun is out. There is a very uncomfortable ceiling in yourry mind. You want to leave. You want to go somewhere that is dark it rex you from the inside out. What can youca do . It is what many of us do. I will tell you a shortt story once upon a time a young girl in a faraway place was afraid. Nobody understood the pain and emotion how can a quiet person speak out . After countless times in hospital she didit find someone she could express yourself with knowledge that girl is me diagnosed with epilepsy and depression anxiety and adhd. Guess what not everyone gets that chance to have a change likelp me. According to the american a cordpsychiatric association 1 million youth members have have had a diagnosable psychiatric disorder in the us ae impact is more than statistic it is a feeling and the emotion with their families and friends. To have a mental disorder should not be any different but people and families who need to feel safe to get help. To have an open healthy dialogue. Many people receive the phrase Mental Health as if they should be in a psychiatric hospital. How would i know . I was in them. The topics of Mental Health i advocated for immigrants last year and i will continue that. But right now those who are afraid to admit they have depression or bipolar disorder. All of those people who thought it was better to leave the life of the living are judged and misunderstood. I tried ask me how many times i have tried and i will tell you. But after therapy and visiting a psychiatrist i am better now. People inspire me to be better i am standing right here. I want you to remember this speech. Excuse me let me rephrase that. I need you to help me make a sound about Mental Health and it needs to be heard and accepted. It is not taboo. Once again i advocate. But i will advocate for people like me. Onbipolar, adhd, anxiety, i hope youre listening. Every time you see a social injustice you hear somebody about killing themselves. For those that are in pain when they joking about something that should not be about. This is extremely serious. All of you. I am speaking for all of those people that were in the dark. That cried in the night because they wanted to kill themselves. Right now im joining the people to fight for Mental Health. Raven. Remember that name. [speaking spanish] i will change the world. I need you to help me. [cheers and applause] come on up. [applause] birds are chirping breathing in the clean fresh air pedestrians walking down the sidewalk living the good life but the world that i just described is now a reality we need to stop acting like it. The world is not what we wanted to be it will only get worse withoutt action. We need to stop Global Warming according to nletter aletter o aletter there were ten weather and climate disasters in the United States costing over 1 billion ofos lawsuits. This is been increasing hurting the economy and environment and ourselves. How sad to go to future generations to say i am so sorry. I am so sorry because of the issue that i created you cannot experience. And that the undeniable existence of Climate Change we ignored it. Like a car headed for the collision course the only sensible thing to do is to press the emergency brake. Had we resolve this problem . By promoting Public Transportation the American Transit Association says the Public Transit estimates 14 tons of Carbon Dioxide every year. Some School Districts are investing in zero Emission School buses which are electrical. Unfortunately in places like indiana there is no requirement for a School District to provide bus transportation to their children. We need to get them into communities where they dont have them and encourage Public Transportation. But if we ignore the signs in wefront of us the picture Perfect World it might as well be gone forever. But hope without action is meaningless. Now is the time to utilize. Thank you. Thank you. How are you doing . [applause] i am a Muslim American student. A state scholar. Listen to these two words the difference between the two words is a first comes from the mouth of a nonMuslim American who has the racial slur because it is funny every single muslim that they see. But the second comes from the mouth of a muslim man or woman with any help orthee guidance wh the assurance that god is the greatest and that comes in peace. I feel bad for those muslim boys and girls to put their head down to represent that religion and cannot be called anywhere on desk anywhere because they are called the terrorist . If you try to push that to the back ofhe your mind you want to be the unfriendly one or the party pooper its not funny or epic. Speak out on behalf of all muslims. Not only is this joke offensive but it is alsove scary if there but he thinks you are about to blow the place because of your religion and what you are wearing and what you believe in. Allah akbar i have to prepare myself. Yes prepare myself every singlelf day for the endless questions and comments like what is on your head . Why cant you eat pork . Whitey wear long things all the time . All of these get annoying after being asked every five seconds by a b stranger. Allah akbar but i am a fun person to be around because i am someone who does not care. My religion is not your joke or your insult. I am not a terrorist. I am a Muslim American. Thank you. [cheers and applause] in our last speaker. [applause] my favorite artist has a song and he says all sorts of drama from trauma that children see. That they would normally call therapy. Theres holes in the black community we have to keep it in no matter how hard it would i be. T they are all smoking trees and popping pills with chronic anxiety. Are you comfortable in your skin or are you hurting yourself to keep it in . In 2017 the media adopted Prescription Drug abuse as a new way to be cool the newest wraps gone hat with me talking about percocet when we do not even know what it was. The drug we know as molly has opium according to the nations Opioid Crisis website , dont quote me. [laughter] those are the three and four overdoses. At cause you never realize about the matches but them starting fires. 2017 i just left my freshman year going to my sophomore year placing fourth in the city and then two weeks later i was at my older brothersfu funeral. A grieving sibling. I set my room with a bottle full of pills that made me feel better. So the more i took the better off i felt until he woke up. Between two and four and six and then finishing 90 pills in one p week. I was at the brink of addiction when my doctor realized how bad my prescription request for coming in my friends told me i was acting differently parent said the whites to look the same. After that it went to therapy. The problem wasnt that i was in pain but it was emotionally stuff was going on inside of me i couldnt deal with without talking. We make the common conversation to be open in American Society and allow them the opportunity to be gightless and not many got to be me. And all those overdoses since 2017 i say we grab this problem and we allow everyone to express themselves because maybe in five minutes we could save five peoples lives in ten minutes we could save 20 peoples lives. And then i ask you humbly and hear my story and those teens with the drug overdoses so i start the conversation and if you agree with me please start the conversation s. Say it like you mean it. Start the conversation. Say it again. Start the conversation. Thank you. [cheers and applause] another round of applause for these incredible speakers. [cheers and applause] thank you to all the young people today who helped us to learn about the Critical Issues facing young people and adults and our communities we are so grateful to learn from you uses so just the beginning and you are so powerful i cannot wait to see what you do next. Thank you adults for voice and youthou t everything we do and everything they are workingou towards. Want to give a big thank you to Facebook Education to be a partner to make this happen. Re [applause] have a fantastic night. Thank you. [applause] [inaudible conversations]. Created by cable in 1979 it is brought to you by your local or cable satellite provider. The plan, your unfiltered view of government. Host we want to introduce you