William He: After witnessing January 6th, Gen Z is fighting to save our democracy
By William He
I was just 9 years old when Donald Trump was elected President, a time marked by division and the beginning of a deeply concerning period in American history. Now 17, I can tell you that my generation is tired of living through what feels like chapters of future history textbooks. This is especially true regarding the January 6th Capitol attack, which marked its third anniversary last month.
As the founder of Dream for America – a Gen-Z-led non-profit focused on getting more young people involved in progressive politics – I’ve seen a trend among my peers who have come of age as the very premise of America is under constant attack. January 6th made clear to my peers and me just how fragile our democracy is — and we are engaging, mobilizing, and fighting to protect it like no other generation before us.
January 6th was something so seismically unimaginable. The attack on the Capitol was not just a breach of security – but a profound assault on the principles of democracy that we hold dear.
I had the opportunity to spend time in the Capitol as a Senate Page, and hearing firsthand accounts of January 6th – including meeting heroes like Officer Eugene Goodman – emphasized the importance of our role as students, as America’s next generation of leaders, in defending these institutions. ‘How could fellow citizens violently enter federal buildings intending to destroy property and possibly harm our leaders,’ I wondered.
January 6th, however, was not America’s first bout with a cultural moment of crisis. Generations past have experienced moments of national trauma that compelled them to serve and contribute to our country. The attacks on the World Trade Center on 9/11 and the scarring stories of the Vietnam War are poignant moments for Millennials and Boomers alike. These events stirred a sense of duty and patriotism, each spurring a new generation of leaders more bolder than the last. Most millennials grew up in a post-9/11 world where the strength of our people and the fragility of our democracy were on full display for the world to see. Millennials stood up, spoke up, and organized rather than agonized – they elected Barack Obama, legalized gay marriage, and spawned a record number of women and young people running for office. Fast forward to the present day, now it’s Gen-Z’s turn to take the stand.
January 6th was not just a wake-up call for America – it was also Gen-Z’s moment of national trauma. As a new generation, we understand clearly that democracy is not self-sustaining. Democracy requires constant vigilance and participation. In a post-COVID world, Gen-Z has witnessed both the strength of our people and the fragility of our democracy. Defending democracy is not just some high-level concept we read about in history class – it is part of our everyday reality. And the greatest act of patriotism for us now is to enhance our civic engagement – standing up, speaking up, getting involved – because it’s no longer a choice, but a necessity to ensure our future in this country and in history.
We desperately need more young people involved at every political level to ensure a truly representative democracy. Whether it’s registering voters, running for office, supporting local candidates, or simply voting – our participation is vital, crucial, and urgent.
Our non-profit Dream for America, for example, is organizing at the high school and college level to fight back against extremist far-right efforts to promote fascist ideology among young voters. Young voters and leaders helped stave off a red wave in 2022, we have run for office and won, and we will continue to champion key issues that impact our daily lives — including climate change action, gun violence prevention, economic security, and a revitalization of the American dream.
With so many Gen-Zers now getting in the process – from joining campaigns and starting organizations to using social media or simply showing up at the ballot box – Gen-Z is poised to make history with new leaders like Congressman Maxwell Frost and North Carolina Democratic Party chairwoman Anderson Clayton, and with many more figures yet to emerge.
Our generation is uniquely positioned at the intersection of past lessons and future possibilities. We carry the burden of history and the promise of a better tomorrow. The attack on the Capitol was a slap in the face to democracy – but for Gen Z, it was also a call to action. We stand ready to defend, to participate, and to shape a future that reflects the true values of our nation. A call to action to craft a politics shaped by love, hope, and inclusion. After all, that’s the democracy we want and the nation we deserve.
William He is the founder of Dream for America, a leading progressive alternative to Turning Point USA that educates and mobilizes America’s students to protect democracy.
