Ashly Osorto blog 2

Changemakers Throughout 250 Years of Democracy

This week in class, we presented on changemakers from 250 years of democracy. Each group had a different era: the 1800s, 1900s, and 2000s. I expected another predictable presentation about familiar historical figures, but it was more engaging than I anticipated. Each person’s story and way of creating change were unique. Some fought through activism, others through politics, art, or simply by standing up for themselves when the world told them to stay quiet.

What stood out to me was that changemakers are not all alike. Some gained fame in their lifetime; others were recognized later. Some led major movements, while others sparked change with a single brave act that inspired others. Change rarely happens quickly. Sometimes it takes years, and the person fighting may never see the result. This highlights their dedication.

The 1800s

The first group covered changemakers from the 1800s, a period with struggles for basic rights we take for granted today. The 1800s were especially challenging for women and African Americans. Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony stood out. I knew a little about them, but my classmates’ explanations gave me a deeper perspective.

Harriet Tubman’s story is powerful. She escaped slavery, then risked her freedom repeatedly to help others escape. Knowing the danger, she still chose to help. Most would be scared to return after escaping, but she risked everything for others.

Susan B. Anthony stood out for dedicating her life to women’s voting rights. Today, voting is something many people do not think twice about, but back then, women fought just to be heard. Although she did not live to see women win the vote, her work paved the way. Some changemakers plant seeds even if they never see the results.

The 1800s group showed that many of the rights we have today exist thanks to people brave enough to challenge unfair systems. They acted, not just complained.

The 1900s: My Group

The 1900s were my group’s era, and I think it was one of the most impactful for changemakers. The 1900s faced racism, segregation, the Civil Rights Movement, ongoing fights for women’s equality, shifts in music, and new perspectives. It was a century of problems, but also one with people ready to push for better.

I presented Ida B. Wells. Before, I only knew her name, but research showed me her strength. Born in 1862 in Mississippi, she became a journalist, teacher, and activist. Most impressive was how she used her voice and writing to fight racism and injustice, speaking out even when it was dangerous, especially for a Black woman.

One detail that stood out was when she refused to give up her train seat in 1884, then sued the railroad. This was long before Rosa Parks’s bus protest. Ida B. Wells was ahead of her time, challenging discrimination even when law and society opposed her.

Ida B. Wells also fought lynching and used journalism to expose the truth. She refused to stay silent about injustice. By writing and speaking out, she made sure people could not ignore these issues. That is what made her a real changemaker: knowing information is powerful.

Another key part of her work was fighting for women’s voting rights. She co-founded the Alpha Suffrage Club in 1913, one of Illinois’s first Black women’s suffrage groups. Even within the movement, Black women were often marginalized. Ida B. Wells fought for equality as a Black woman in a society that ignored both aspects of her identity.

Our group included changemakers like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Ruby Bridges, Wesley Augustus Williams, Jane Addams, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, and others. I liked that everyone represented a different kind of change. King promoted peace and nonviolence. Malcolm X’s approach was direct. Ruby Bridges made history just by going to school. Michael Jackson changed music and pop culture. Each proved there is more than one way to make a difference.

The 2000s

The group for the 2000s covered changemakers we have seen in our lives, which made it feel different. Barack Obama stood out. I grew up knowing him as president, but thinking about his impact as a changemaker gave me a new perspective. Being the first Black U.S. president was historic.

Obama’s presidency showed the power of representation. Seeing someone who looked like them in the highest office gave many people hope and made them believe change was possible. His story connects back to past changemakers like Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, and Martin Luther King Jr., who paved the way.

The 2000s group made me consider how changemakers use new tools. In the past, they used speeches, newspapers, and protests. Today, they use social media, technology, music, sports, and public platforms. Change is not easier now, but the tools are different.

My Opinion

After all the presentations, I realized changemakers matter because history is more than dates and events. It is about people making meaningful choices, even when they are difficult or unpopular. A changemaker sees a problem and acts.

Ida B. Wells taught me that using your voice is powerful. She lacked many of the rights and protections we have today, but still spoke up. Through her journalism, she showed that change can come from simply telling the truth.

This project showed me that changemakers exist in every era and background. They are not perfect, and their paths are rarely easy, but they make a difference because they care enough to act. Each period faced unique struggles, but the message remains: change happens when people refuse to accept injustice. That is what I will remember most.

Learning about these changemakers has inspired me to think about how I can make a positive impact, even in small ways. It also made me realize how important it is for students like us to study these individuals, not just to memorize facts, but to understand the courage and persistence it takes to create change. Their stories remind me that standing up for what is right, using my voice, and supporting others can help shape a better future. Even if the things I do seem small, they can still matter. I hope to carry these lessons forward and look for opportunities to make a difference in my own community.