Change-makers Reflection

The four presentations we went over explored the changemakers across the 250 years America has gone through 1700s, 1800s, 1900s, and 2000s respectively. Each group, my group included, created a powerful sense of continuity in the story of American history. Each presentation introduced individuals who responded to the problems of their time in distinct and meaningful ways with each of the group’s members taking attentive care in their subject matters. What stood out most was not just what these figures accomplished, but how their actions reflected the challenges, values, and possibilities of their respective centuries. Although separated by time, geography, and circumstances, they were united by a willingness to challenge injustice, redefine norms, and leave a lasting imprint on society.

 

The first group primarily focused on the constitutional era, the beginning of it all. I was surprised that no one in the group mentioned the cause for revolution but I can understand the 7 years’ war being seen as a moot point so many years later. Each of the members did a great job presenting their particular changemakers and while some faces were very recognizable it is only natura that they took on the heavy hitters of that time, such as George Washington. Something I found particularly interesting about the students presenting were their personal changemakers. Many of the students named their parents, grandparents or even religious figures such as Jesus or god as their personal change makers. This isn’t to say those are flawed changemakers at all and of course it is not to say my borderline egotistical choice is “better” in the slightest, however I do find it interesting how many see overpowering authority figures as personal changemakers in their life, and in tandem, history.

My group’s presentation centered on figures from the 1800s. this was a time period shaped by transformation, conflict, and innovation. Leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt embodied political courage, while individuals such as Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, Andrew Carnegie, and Nikola Tesla represented breakthroughs in social progress, industry, and science. I wont speak too much on my group’s performance as I am of course biased as to how we did, personally I think my team put in some of the best effort and work towards the project however, once again, I am very biased.

 

The third presentation focused on the 1900s, introduced a broader and more global set of changemakers. This era was marked by civil rights movements, cultural shifts, and struggles for independence and equality. Figures like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., Bob Dylan, Dolores Huerta, and Nelson Mandela demonstrated that change could emerge from compassion, activism, art, and resilience. The group’s selection in changemakers were interesting to say the least. Figure heads like MLK or Mother Teresa are obvious and very impactful people in history to be sure. However, a selection like Bob Dylan did throw me off in a good way. I didn’t expect these characters to get the attention and respect they deserve but the group knocked it out of the park with their presentation on these people which was a shock to me. I only wish my group had this particular era in history, admittedly the 1900s era is a section of history I am well versed in as it is one of my favorite periods in the American timeline with major historical events that took place in that 100 year gap, figures such as Woodrow Wilson and The great war or events such as the prohibition with Al Capone. Alas it was not my presentation, and the group did a great job with the people they chose.

The final presentation centered on the 2000s with the entire focus on Malala Yousafzai. Although only one figure was highlighted, her story carries immense weight. Growing up in a region where girls’ education was restricted, she chose to speak out despite significant risks. Her advocacy for education represents a continuation of the struggles seen in even in our own country which makes her story all the more important. I will say it was a rather odd choice to only have one changemaker to focus on for the 2000s. despite us only being 26 years into the 21^st century there has been more than a few major events and people to talk about, however with how controversial most, if not all, of these people can be I can see why the group wanted to focus on a relatively safe topic and changemaker. Malala’s impact particularly compelling in her activism as a teenager and young adult. She challenges the assumption that change requires age or experience. Her story shows that awareness and determination can emerge at any stage of life and how the young generation should be allowed to take charge in our world and society instead of relying on old and perhaps outdated ideals.

Comparing all presentations shows how the connections across time are simultaneously massive as well as compact. The fertile beginnings of our nation in the 1700s were brutal but humble, imperfect but with the wisdom and foresight to allow change. The 1800s, changemakers often worked to dismantle our barbarous and heinous systems while shaping the foundations of modern society. By the 1900s, the focus shifted toward challenging those hypocritical systems and expanding rights to match the ideals the country was founded upon. In the 2000s, the emphasis appears to be on amplifying voices and addressing inequalities not just here in America but also the countries we effect as well on a global scale. Ultimately, the four presentations offered a comprehensive view of how individuals across different eras have shaped the world. From the political leadership of the 1700s and 1800s to the social movements of the 1900s and the global advocacy of the 2000s, each period contributed to an ongoing narrative of progress that we should strive for, instead of conserving old and primitive ideals. What ties all of these figures together is not just their achievements, but their willingness to act when faced with injustice or opportunity much like our founding fathers all those many years ago. Their stories serve as reminders that while circumstances may vary, the potential to make a difference exists in every era for every person no matter their age, race or denomination.