Jason Martinez's Blog Post 2

Taking a second look on all the changemakers through this presentation, I can honestly say they were some of the most interesting presentations we've had up to now. Going into this project I thought most of the presentations would be focus on the same historical figures that we already know. While some names were familiar, I started realizing that changemakers come from all kinds of different backgrounds and professions (not all are into politics). Some used politics to create change, other used journalism, community service, sports, music or simply their own courage to leave a lasting impact on society. Towards the end of the presentations, I had a broader understanding of what it means to be a changemaker and the impact they left behind that still affects us till this day.

What I enjoyed most about the presentation was the distinction that every group had with each group having a different time period. This made it easy to see how the methods people used to create changed evolved over time. Although the challenges were different for each era, there was one thing in common that they all had. The changemakers were willing to step outside of their comfort zone and challenge the norm of their era. Whether they were fighting discrimination, improving education, helping communities, or inspiring people through entertainment, they all found unique ways to make a difference.    

My group went up first and focused on the changemakers from the 1700s and 1800s, I found this period interesting because of many of these individuals helped lay the foundation of modern society. In my group the people we covered included Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Susan B Anthony, Abraham Linclon, Fredreick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Cady Staton. While they all worked in a different field, they each left a legacy and a lasting impact  

One of the major takeaways I got from these presentations was the amount of courage the changemakers had to stand up and challenge how society operated.  Tubman and Douglas stood out to me because they were willing to risk their own life to fight against slavery and advocate for freedom. Learning about their lives and the obstacles they went through really displayed that creating change is rarely easy. It often requires people to make sacrifices and stand up in what they believe in even when they know it's dangerous enough that it can end their own life. 

Susan B Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Staton also left a strong impression on me. They spent years for advocating for women's right at a time when women had very little political influence. Their work helped paved the way for many rights of the women have today. Lincoln was another person who stood up due to the difficult decisions he faced while leading the country during the civil war. His story emphasizes that changemakers often time face criticism and opposition while trying to create progress.

The presentation covering the 1900s introduced me to several changemakers I knew nothing about. One of those was Ida B Wells. Before this class, I had heard their name thrown around in the classroom before but never deep dived into a whole discussion. Learning about her accomplishments and her work as a journalist really impressed me. She used investigating reporting to expose racial violence and injustice during a time when many people were terrified to speak out. What really stood out to me is how she used communication as a tool for change. Her writing forced people to pay attention to issue that they usually ignore. 

The presentations covered MLK and Malcom X which I found especially interesting because they demonstrated two different ways achieving the same goal. Dr King believed in peaceful protest and inspiring change through hope and unity. Malcolm X took a more direct approach and focused on exposing inequality and empowering black communities. Even though their methods were different, both played important roles in advancing civil rights. The different approaches realized me there is rarely only one path towards progress.

Ruby Bridges presentation really changed my perspective of the changemakers and the age they need to be to really make change. At only six years old, she became one of the first Black students to attend a previously segregated school. The amount courage she must've had to enter a school and face severe hostility.  

The modern changemakers were also interesting because they showed how much technology and media have changed the way people influence society. Figures like Usain Bolt and Serena Williams demonstrated can have an impact beyond their sport.  Both used their success to inspire others and bring attention to important issues. Likewise, leaders such as Barrack Obama and Elon Musk showed how people can influence society through innovations and politics.  

One thing I noticed throughout all of the presentations was how much larger modern platforms have become. Historical figures had to rely on speeches, newspaper or local activism to spread their message. Today social media and technology allow people to reach millions of people instantly.  The tools have changed but the goal remains the same, creating posti3vie change and inspiring others to get involved. 

Overall, these presentations completely changed my perspective on what it means to be a changemaker. Prior to this group project i mostly associated changemakers with historical leaders/ famous politicians.  Now I understand that change can come from many different places. Some people create through leadership, others through journalism, education, healthcare, music, sports, or simply by having the courage to stand up for what they believe is right.

The biggest lesson I took away from all of these presentations is that anyone has the ability to make a difference. Every person we learned about started from somewhere and none of them knew the impact they would eventually leave behind. Whether it was Harriet Tubamn fighting for freedom, Ida B Wells exposing injustice, Ruby Bridges breaking barriers or Usain Bolt inspiring people to do the impossible. They all proved that meaningful change starts with individuals willing to take initiative and action. That idea is what made these presentations so memorable and valuable to me and it's something I'll be thinking long after this semester is done.