CURRENT AGE: 19
CURRENT AGE: 18
GRADE 9
KEITH ELLISON
Keith Ellison started his journey as a political activist at age 18. On Detroit's Wayne State University campus, he protested and petitioned to end South African apartheid in the 1980s.
Since 2006, he has been a Democratic congressman from Minnesota and is the first Muslim to be elected to the House of Representatives.
Ellison rejects the notion of categorizing people's political concerns based on age, race, gender or religion. While it's not unusual for a politician to adapt his or her speech to an expected audience, Ellison finds that speakers often pigeonhole certain groups, specifically Muslim students, despite their assortment of ideas and concerns.
"People are diverse and have a wide range of interests. Muslim students are the same way," he said.
Ellison is not alone in trying to correct the misperceptions of Muslims. A Muslim high school student in Brownsburg, always seen in a hijab, or Muslim head scarf, repeatedly prints out information explaining her faith, especially regarding its views on women's issues.
The congressman envisions interfaith discussions where Muslim and non-Muslim youths talk about issues important to youth of all backgrounds and religions. But he adds that many Muslim youth have been reluctant to reach out to non-Muslims.
"They have got to begin to see the connection between the quality of their lives and their participation in the political arena. This does not start magically at 45 years old," he said.
His daughter, Amirah, 12, epitomizes the spirit of activism and understanding that Ellison hopes to inspire in youth. She sees inequality as one of the largest problems facing the country today.
"There's so much racism and prejudice and extremism; people think they're better because of what they are," she said. "I think that, just because you're a Muslim, you're not any less than someone who's a Christian. I was raised by my parents telling me that everyone was put on this Earth for a reason, and you're not better than anyone."
Ellison hopes larger numbers of young people will become more civic-minded. He believes it is essential for prospective voters to start participating at a young age in order to fully grasp the importance of public and political service.
"If you haven't cultivated a sense of the common good, you're going to be like, 'I don't care about anyone but me.' I believe that in order for young people to have a sense that their welfare is tied to the welfare of everybody else, you have to start early," he said.
Obama supporters are starting early. While attending Barack Obama's speech in Plainfield prior to the Indiana primary, Y-Press saw countless young people in attendance, some as young as 6 years old. While they may not have understood the policy discussions on Social Security and health care, they had an engaging, entertaining time and hopefully will view political activism as a worthwhile activity.
Politicians should make it a priority to reach out to younger generations. Good habits start young and the more engaged and passionate the electorate, the better for the country.
Copyright 2008 Y-Press