New Orleans Public Library: Jun 8 'Their Opinions Matter': Library Program Empowers Teens To Find Their Voice

Press release from the New Orleans Public Library:

2021-06-08

Growing up, New Orleans-based activist Toni Jones said she always had people to look up to for inspiration, empowerment, and guidance. Now, Jones hopes to do the same for this new generation, which is why she partnered with the Library to present Young Activists Speak Out last July. 

M’issa Fleming, a youth services librarian at Main Library, organized the program in response to the rise in racial justice protests last summer and asked Jones to participate. The series was created to provide a space for teens to discuss politics and current issues, as well as to figure out ways they can use their own voices to empower themselves, Jones said.

“Young people are often dismissed or discouraged from thinking of themselves as potential political figures. And that’s just really not the truth, history shows that,” Jones said. “There are so many huge conversations happening right now that directly affect youth. But, so often, people are not listening to or asking for the perspective of young people. We hoped that by creating this space and opening these conversations, we could show our youth that their opinions do matter, and they do have a voice.” 

In February, Fleming and Jones hosted another Young Activists Speak session to showcase Black history in the making. They’ll meet again June 10 for a Pride edition of the program, which will highlight how local queer and trans teens are making their communities more fabulous, safe, and welcoming. 

Jones is a member of Southerners on New Ground (SONG) and the co-founder of the Real Name Campaign. While most of her work centers on LGBTQ issues, she said it’s been a joy hearing young people get excited about their own work and what matters most to them.

“Activism isn’t just one set thing, and that’s why having these conversations are so important,” she said. 

Growing up, New Orleans-based activist Toni Jones said she always had people to look up to for inspiration, empowerment, and guidance. Now, Jones hopes to do the same for this new generation, which is why she partnered with the Library to present Young Activists Speak Out last July. 

M’issa Fleming, a youth services librarian at Main Library, organized the program in response to the rise in racial justice protests last summer and asked Jones to participate. The series was created to provide a space for teens to discuss politics and current issues, as well as to figure out ways they can use their own voices to empower themselves, Jones said.

“Young people are often dismissed or discouraged from thinking of themselves as potential political figures. And that’s just really not the truth, history shows that,” Jones said. “There are so many huge conversations happening right now that directly affect youth. But, so often, people are not listening to or asking for the perspective of young people. We hoped that by creating this space and opening these conversations, we could show our youth that their opinions do matter, and they do have a voice.” 

In February, Fleming and Jones hosted another Young Activists Speak session to showcase Black history in the making. They’ll meet again June 10 for a Pride edition of the program, which will highlight how local queer and trans teens are making their communities more fabulous, safe, and welcoming. 

Jones is a member of Southerners on New Ground (SONG) and the co-founder of the Real Name Campaign. While most of her work centers on LGBTQ issues, she said it’s been a joy hearing young people get excited about their own work and what matters most to them.

“Activism isn’t just one set thing, and that’s why having these conversations are so important,” she said. 

This press release was produced by the New Orleans Public Library. The views expressed here are the author’s own.