Recently, I have been thinking a great deal about movements for social change, movement leaders and elders. As a 70-year-old woman who was radicalized while at college during the Vietnam War and has remained active in social change struggles for decades, I am very aware of aging, and of passing the torch to younger leader-activists.
Like so many others, I have been deeply affected by the loss of movement-activist giants Marty Nathan, Kent Alexander, Angel Nieto and Paula Green. I cannot help but wonder: Who will fill their shoes?
I have also wondered: Am I even thinking about these issues in the right way? When we say “passing the torch,” is it “our” torch to pass?
Eager to explore these questions, asked three super smart and savvy young activists of color — Leti Bueno, Thulani Davis and Steven Hernandez — the same question: What do you want movement elders to know or do as we pass the torch and step aside? Their responses surprised and touched me. I have captured below some of what they told me.
Leti Bueno, of Austin, Texas, is a nonprofit professional who has worked with local, national and international agencies on immigrant and refugee advocacy, youth leadership development, and the intersection of arts and activism.
Her answer to my question: “The thought of movement elders stepping aside stirs up images of moving on. I don’t think today’s younger activists want that from our elders. Activism is the collective, passionate, grassroots organizing across generations working for the greater good.”
Reflecting on the role of her ancestors and older activists, Leti said, “As I move through the world, speak up, and amplify the voices of others, I do so with the heart and passion of my ancestors, who were constantly doing what they could for others. I feel that they are with me and guide me. I think movement elders can be seen in this way.”
“Yes, we need you all to pass the torch,” Leti continued, “but we need you to do so in a tender way with the reassurance that you still have our backs. I want to believe that when I am a movement elder, no matter how tired I might be, I will have the backs of the next-gen activists.”
Thulani Davis is the director of programming at Spectrum in Motion Dance Theater Ensemble in Hartford, and a millennial activist who focuses on the struggles for women’s rights, quality education, and civil rights for all people. Thulani had a moving response to my question.
“There are many things young activists can and should learn from our elders: pride in oneself, pride in what has collectively been achieved, and perseverance to keep marching forward,” she told me. “I am one of the lucky ones. I am honored and thankful to have gained so much knowledge from my elders. I know whose shoulders I stand on, and they are giants.”
“What do I want movement elders to do?” Thulani reflected on this question. “I would ask that movement elders light my torch with the sure knowledge that their flame will never go out, knowing that they have lit another fire. Light my torch by mentoring and teaching me what you know. In time, and in turn, I will light another flame.”
Steven Hernandez, of San Marcos, Texas, is a music educator, video editor at “Do Something Great,” and workshop leader whose classes include “Mentoring Young People of Color,” and “Music Fuels Our Movement.” When I caught up with Steven, I found him to be personal and vulnerable in his responses.
“When I was younger, I felt that because I rapped and my clothes were baggy, the older generation looked down on me. This kept me from even trying to be more involved in leadership roles, since those roles were already occupied by older, ‘wiser’ people,’” Steven told me. He continued, “My reaction to feeling looked down on made me become a loner, and focus on self-preservation — not on helping others.”
“Then in college, a professor helped me work through these feelings,” Steven said. “My professor said that the younger generation has zeal, energy, and passion, and the older generation has wisdom and experience. My professor insisted that movements need both — like two oars in a boat. Both oars are needed or the boat spins in circles. Pulling together makes the boat move forward.”
Thinking about the partnership between younger activists and movement elders, Steven was very clear: “We will make mistakes, but we won’t let you down. We still need you. If we work together, we can go farther faster. It will not be in spite of you, but because of you and your partnership with us. We are not replacing you, we are building on the foundation you have laid.”
He continued, “We need you to believe in the young leaders rising up. Don’t say ‘I told you so’ when we mess up. Help us fix the mistakes and get back up. Forgive us for what we say when we are too zealous. We don’t know what you know. But we want you to remember what it was like when you were our age: Remember what it was like to feel unstoppable.”
When I asked Steven what he would like to tell movement elders, he replied, “I want to say this to the older generation: thank you. Thank you for putting in the hard work, for sowing seeds, for watering, for dedicating your life to a better tomorrow. We may not say it, but your efforts are inspiring and you are appreciated.”
I was surprised when Steven then echoed what Thulani had also told me: “We are standing on your shoulders, keep the fire burning. We are scared of failing. Be there to remind us of who we are when we forget, and we will do the same for you.”
Eloquent. Inspiring. Honest. Moving. Hopeful.
I found my conversations with these young activist-leaders to be so reassuring. They want movement elders to remain close while we mentor, support, teach, and gently let go. Those of us who are older activists can listen deeply to young leaders, fall in step behind them, and put our hands on their backs. They are tremendously capable, energetic, creative and prepared to lead — with vigor, vision, and wisdom!
The Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian of Northampton is an associate pastor at Alden Baptist Church in Springfield. She is also the founder and director of the Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership.