How Generation Z is reshaping activism and democratic engagement will be examined in an American Democracy Project (ADP) panel discussion.
The panel, “Reimagining Democracy: Gen Z Activism Across Communities and Borders,” will be held Thursday, Feb. 19, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. in Williams Center Room S204. The event is free and open to the public.
This panel highlights the many ways Gen Z is redefining what civic engagement looks like through protest, culture and digital media.” - Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch
The discussion will bring together faculty and student perspectives to explore how young people are engaging with civic life through protest, culture and digital media in the United States and globally.
Panelists include:
• Dr. Jeanette McVicker is a professor of English and coordinator of Ethnic and Gender Studies at SUNY Fredonia. A former Fulbright Fellow, Dr. McVicker brings a global lens to conversations about democracy and social change. Her presentation will highlight recent Gen Z-led protests across the Global South, where young activists have demanded accountability from institutions in response to government corruption, aging leadership and limited economic opportunities. McVicker’s talk will consider how these movements parallel youth activism in the United States.
• Dr. Saundra Liggins, an associate professor of English at SUNY Fredonia, will examine how popular African American culture functions as a form of activism for Gen Z. Her talk will explore how cultural expression shapes political awareness, civic identity and collective imagination.
• Keira Norton, a junior Political Science major with a minor in History from Angola, NY, is an active member of the American Democracy Project committee. Keira’s presentation will focus on Gen Z, social media and digital activism. She will explore how online platforms influence political engagement and how young people use digital spaces to make democracy more accessible and participatory.
“This panel highlights the many ways Gen Z is redefining what civic engagement looks like through protest, culture and digital media,” remarked Dr. Angela McGowan-Kirsch, who is an associate professor of Communication and chair of the American Democracy Project. “By bringing together global, cultural, and student perspectives, we hope to spark meaningful conversations about the future of democracy.”
The program is sponsored by the American Democracy Project, with light refreshments provided through support from a Faculty Student Association grant.
