Teens Tackle Democracy: Amplifying Young Voices with Mayor Williams

echo teens gathered at Zwelli's restaurant on May 14th with Mayor Leonardo Williams and Dr. Terrance Ruth for an evening of conversation that would reveal the depth of young perspectives on the issues shaping our community.

What echo Teens Shared

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 "I want to move beyond meaningless material possessions" - One participant reflected on seeking authentic purpose beyond video games and digital distractions, focusing instead on real connections with family, friends, and their future.

💵 "Money can be made in political action" - Echo teens demonstrated clear-eyed analysis of how political systems can be manipulated, recognizing when "politics and morality" are used as tools for personal gain.

📚 "Educational systems are "filtration systems" - Perhaps most striking was their understanding of how schools perpetuate inequality, leaving vulnerable students "cast aside to the lower echelons of society."

The Power of the Right Setting

The Shiboka program proved that environment matters. At Zwelli's, without podiums or pressure, echo teens engaged in the honest dialogue that democracy needs. They weren't performing for adults, they were thinking alongside them, bringing insights that challenged everyone in the room.

Join the Conversation

The Shiboka program proves that when we create the right conditions—intimate settings, respected community leaders, and genuine listening—young people offer remarkable insights that can reshape how we think about any topic: education, politics, and community building. Let's amplify these voices and create more spaces for intergenerational dialogue.

What is Shiboka?

Shiboka is a unique creative entrepreneurship program for local teens to learn and create together in impactful ways. Derived from the Indigenous Zulu word meaning "I exist for you," Shiboka signifies the importance of intergenerational power within the creative community. A zine will be created by youth for youth, from story creation to graphic and layout design, editing, and ad sales.

Be a part of Shiboka by submitting your art to the 4th edition of our Zine!🎨🎥✍️🎹

This year's theme ➡️ Democracy: Take Two