Blog #2 Cristian Zambrana

  I really enjoyed listening to all the unique changemaker presentations because each group focused on a different period in history and showed how people have influenced society over time. Before the presentations, I though ,for the most part, that changemakers were just famous historical figures that everyone already knew about. However, after hearing all the presentations, I realized that change can come from many different people in many different ways. For example musicians, athletes, and even actors can all leave a lasting legacy on society. Some changemakers influenced politics, others fought for social justice, and some used technology or innovation to improve people's daily lives. What I found the most interesting was seeing how the methods people used to create change evolved from the 1700s all the way to the present day. My group's presentations focused on changemakers from the 1700s to 1800s era. I found this time period interesting since many of the individuals helped shape the foundations of modern society and opened the path for changemakers of the future. The changemakers included historical figures such as: Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Susan B. Anthony, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Florence Nightingale, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Although some have worked in different fields and a variety of different challenges, they all have a lasting legacy in history. While listening to these presentations I realized how much valor it took for people like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass to risk their safety to fight against slavery and advocate for what they though was right. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton also dedicated their lives for a greater cause which was expanding women's rights at a time when women had very little say and limited political power. When researching about Abraham Lincoln, I learned more about his role during one of the most divided periods in American history. This reminded me that changemakers often face criticism and difficult decisions while trying to create progress or change. Another changemaker that stood out to me was Florence Nightingale because she showed that changemakers are not limited to politics or activism. Her contributions to nursing and healthcare improved the lives of countless people and demonstrated that change can happen through medicine and public service as well. The next presentations were covering the 1900s and focused on a wide range of changemakers who influenced society through activism, leadership and culture. One of the changemakers that stood out to me was Ida B. Wells. Before the presentations I had never really heard of her but learned a lot about her. Through journalism, she exposed racial violence and injustice which made me find her very impactful because she used her writing and investigation to bring attention to issues many people were turning the blind eye to at the time. Another important figure discussed was Jane Addams who worked to improve the living conditions for immigrants and low-income families through social programs and community support. She not only fought against child labor but also advocated for better education and public health programs as well. Major civil rights leaders such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. were also discussed in the presentation. I found it interesting to compare their very different approaches and mentalities to achieving equality even though both were working toward the same goal. Their Work showed how movements for change can take different paths but still contribute to progress. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in solving problems peacefully instead of using violence while Malcolm x advocated for self defense which still generated fears that he might incite violence. Ruby Bridges was another person who stood out to me whose experience as a child highlighted how deeply segregation affected everyday life. Ruby was one of many key people who helped integration happen and inspired others during the civil right movement even while just being a child. When Michael Jackson was spoken about I was surprised as I didn't know what he had done through his music. At the height of his career, he influenced culture on a worldwide scale through his music and performances. One thing that stood out to me about him was his involvement with We Are The World in 1985. This movement brought 45 of the world's biggest artists and raised more than $60 million for humanitarian aid. The 1900s period showed me that changemakers can influence society in many different ways that aren't just political and helped me understand that these efforts helped build the foundation for many of the rights that exist today. Usain Bolt built his success in track and field while also promoting Jamaican culture on a global stage and became a symbol of excellence and equality in sports. The presentation also mentioned his contributions to youth development including donations to schools and support for programs that encourage young athletes. This made me see him as more than just an athlete but also someone who used his success to give back to his community. Another athlete mentioned was Serena Williams which used her status to influence conversations on gender equality, representation, and perseverance. In addition to sports figures, the presentations also included  business and political leaders such as Melinda Gates and Barack Obama. I found it interesting how both used their roles to advocate for global issues such as education health and social development. Elon Musk was also included for his role in advancing technology through companies like Tesla and SpaceX. I thought it was interesting how his works connect with the ideas about the future including things like renewable energy and space exploration. This presentation demonstrated that modern changemakers come from many different fields, whether through sports, leadership, or innovation. I noticed that modern changemakers have a much larger platform due to media and modern tech.