Money runs the world, and so do social justice heroes. These are amazing human beings who have dedicated their lives to fighting for equality and justice for all.
These amazing heroes help solve the world’s biggest challenges.
To commemorate World Social Justice Day, we asked Global Citizens around the world (including those who work in Global Citizens) to tell us about the social justice heroes of the past, present, and future that we think we should celebrate more of. I received it. .
Here are some truly amazing people highlighted as social justice heroes, according to Global Citizens.
1. Hilary Burton Morgan, Actor and social justice advocate
Recommended by Nicole N. (USA)
“Hillary is using her platform to advocate for families involved in small-town murders where justice has not been fully served. She brought attention to my former student’s murder. , is using her voice to fight for his family. Hillary speaks out about injustice and does her part to right wrongs. Her desire to fight the good fight. I am forever grateful.ā
2. Justice Faith Betty & Near Faith Betty, social change activist
Recommended by Kayley G. (Canada)
āJustice and Nia have an innate ability to make anything feel possible. Their passion and brilliance has inspired millions of people, and through RĆ©volutionnaire they have inspired a group of young change-makers to take action and create causes close to home for them. We inspired you to learn more about them, but they’re just getting started. They’re passionate about supporting the next generation of activists, and the world is a better place because of the work they continue to do every day. I truly believe that it is.ā
Harvey Milk poses in front of a camera store in San Francisco on November 9, 1977.
Harvey Milk poses in front of a camera store in San Francisco on November 9, 1977.
3. Harvey Milk, Politician and human rights activist
Recommended by Brett G. from USA
“His work in San Francisco and his foresight to commission Gilbert Baker to design the rainbow flag is a game changer. Symbols are so important in the fight for justice. My work as a graphic designer I think my job helps me form these opinions.ā
Dolores Huerta at the San Francisco Carnival Parade, 2016.
4. Dolores Huerta women’s rights activist
Nominated by Sharon A. from USA and Ukett F. from Nigeria
Sharon: āFor more than 60 years, Dolores Huerta has championed the rights of women, immigrants, and people living in poverty. She has not only faced threats of violence for her commitment to social justice. , sacrificed many nights away from her children. She is a pillar and role model not only for the Hispanic community, but for women around the world. She became the change she wanted to see in this world. It all started with one simple word: Si se puede!ā
Uquette: “Dolores Huerta. Dolores Huerta was a labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) in 1962. She fought for farm worker rights and advocated for gender equality. , has dedicated his life to advocating for racial and economic equality and justice.”
5. Nadia Okamoto Champion of Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR)
Recommended by Diana R. from Guatemala
āFor me, a social justice hero is Nadia Okamoto. She is the founder of term company August, a sustainable and affordable term company for everyone. Through her TikTok platform, Nadia We create a safe space for all menstruators to educate and share information about menstruation that isn’t accessible anywhere.
“Through her videos, I learned important facts about periods that I wasn’t taught in school. She’s here to break down and end the stigma around periods, but she’s not alone. We founded a community called Inner Cycle in Geneva so that all of us can talk about periods, sex, and more without shame.
āNadia is trying to destigmatize periods by educating and informing us through her social platforms. She is also changing the world with sustainable menstrual products. Climate Change, Periods equality, and even mental health. Nadia is an amazing activist and human being.ā
6. Thulani Maseko, human rights activist
Nominated by Muhumuzi S. from Swaziland
The late Thulani Maseko of Swaziland [is my social justice hero], he stood up for justice for his people and sometimes even got arrested for fighting for social justice in the country. He lost his life fighting for human rights after being assassinated by domestic rebels. ā
7. Mariel Franco Politicians and human rights activists
Recommended by Stephanie P. (USA)
“Mariel Franco was a Brazilian politician, sociologist, feminist, socialist, and human rights activist. One of the voices of Vidas Negras Importam (Black Lives Matter) She was the embodiment of a disenfranchised Brazilian, a lesbian, a feminist, a black person.ā
Malala Yousafzai was awarded the 2013 Sakharov Freedom of Thought Prize for her work promoting girls’ education at a ceremony in Strasbourg.
8. Malala Yousafzai human rights activist
Nominated by Mr. Obien M. from Pakistan
āAs a Pakistani, the first poem I wrote for social justice was inspired by Malala. It was on that day in 2012 that all the news channels said she had been shot. Since then, , I have followed her life. Despite facing life threats, controversies, and vandalism, she held fast to her ideology of social justice. Her ideas about education and gender equality are very It is so pure that if we humans succeed in applying it to all 8 billion people, there will be no power to stop us from becoming a great species.”
Nyombi Morris is a Ugandan climate activist and social media manager for the climate justice nonprofit Rise Up Movement.
Nyombi Morris is a Ugandan climate activist and social media manager for the climate justice nonprofit Rise Up Movement.
9. Nyombi Morris climate activist
Recommended by Ken W. (USA)
“Nyombi Morris is a social justice hero to me because she shows the courage it takes to fight to end climate change. He is passionate about the effects of climate change that contribute to extreme poverty. He is an inspiration to many people, working with others to take action to make a big difference. He promotes smart ideas to solve extreme poverty. For example, he said, “If taxes on billionaires and millionaires were raised to 5%, they could raise $1.7 trillion a year…which could lift 2 billion people out of poverty.” he posted. Nyombi posts relevant information and photos that show how people in extreme poverty are being forced from their homes. His job is to save many people’s lives. He is a voice for those who don’t have a voice. I am inspired and look forward to seeing a bright future for this global hero!ā
10. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela human rights activist
Recommended by Mr. Kamohelo M from South Africa
āWinnie Madikizela-Mandela was a great human being, woman and mother of a nation. Despite her social status, she was known as a peoplely person. , served as a haven for those seeking protection. She was a mentor to up-and-coming leaders. She was a fierce, honest fighter against the apartheid system, willing to die for her people and cause. She was so willing. That’s why she’s my hero!”
11. Folarin āFalzā Falana, rapper, actor, human rights activist
Recommended by Glory T from Nigeria
āFolarin Falana, better known by his stage name Fals, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter and actor who was at the forefront of the #EndSARS protests in Lagos, calling on the government to end police brutality. The singer is speaking out on social justice issues across the country.”
12. Afroz Shah environmental activist
Nominated by Dhananjay K. from India
“He has been instrumental in cleaning the beaches and mangroves in and around Mumbai city. Afroz and his amazing group of volunteers are working tirelessly to maintain cleanliness. We have a long way to go, but Afroz Itās great to see it making a big difference.ā
Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old environmental activist from Sweden, waves after leaving New York Harbor on the Malizia II on August 28, 2019.
Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old environmental activist from Sweden, waves after leaving New York Harbor on the Malizia II on August 28, 2019.
13. Greta Thunberg climate activist
Recommended by Sina R. from Guatemala
“For me, it’s definitely Greta Thunberg. She’s amazing. She’s young and understands the climate crisis much more than a lot of other people. She’s able to inspire a whole generation to be active. Yes, we did. For me, and for all the climate change activists who are taking action for a better world.”
We join global citizens in honoring social justice heroes past, present, and future, along with all the social justice heroes who work every day to improve lives around the world.
Remember, you too can become a social justice hero in your own community by joining us and taking action on the most pressing issues facing the world today. Together, we can empower these social justice heroes and truly change the world.