Every once in a while I’ll meet an adult who describes “teenagers today” as lazy, entitled, and narcissistic; apparently your brains have been numbed by hours of playing Halo and posting selfies to your Insta. But as an organizer who cut my teeth working with young female activists, I know firsthand how powerful you all are, especially when you band together to stand up against all kinds of injustice. You inspire me, for real.
That’s why I was so excited to get to talk to Kisma, Nathania, Francesca, Kodi, Alex, and Diamond—the six young activists Sandy photographed for this album. Though their tactics—writing, dance, mentoring, speaking out, and organizing—differ, their refusal to accept things the way they are, and their commitment to making their communities and schools better, stronger, and more just and compassionate, unites them (and you, and me). I feel safer, freer, and happier knowing that these girls and others like them are showing up and standing up for what they believe in.
We are proud to introduce you to this band of badasses, and we are grateful to the Dr. Martens #STANDFORSOMETHING campaign for making it possible (and for providing all of the awesome kicks in these photos!). Thanks also to Mike and Claire for styling, Arabelle for doing everyone’s makeup, and Cote-Amour for lending us clothes. —Jamia
This post was generously sponsored by Dr. Martens. The content was produced by Rookie. You can sign up to win a pair of Dr. Martens by visiting the company’s Facebook page.Kisma, 16
Sisters in Strength (Girls for Gender Equity)
What do you stand for?
I stand for people having respect for one another and following their moral values.
What is Sisters in Strength about?
We are a group of young women of color organizing in our communities to end gender-based violence and harassment.
What does equality mean to you?
Equality means that people of all genders and races can live with the same rights. That’s not the definition we have right now–our world is not equal at all.
How do you want your generation to be remembered?
I want to be part of a generation who try to do things to make the world better and who actually use their lives to help someone else. I want us to do something we can be proud of. It can be as small as making someone happy and as big as inventing something that helps people.
What is one thing students can do to positively change the culture at their schools?
They can take a vow to not encourage sexual harassment in their school—even better, they can vow to prevent it from happening.
What is your biggest wish for the world?
For everyone to have an overwhelmingly happy life—to have total bliss without any sort of anger.Nathania, 16
Sisters in Strength (Girls for Gender Equity)
What do you stand for?
I stand for teen youth who deny who they really are because they are scared of being judged.
You and Kisma are focused on achieving gender justice in school communities. What can students do to change the culture in their schools?
They can strive to be open-minded and considerate of other people and their needs.
What project or campaign are you most passionate about right now?
I’m passionate about the Audre Lorde Project’s Welfare Justice Campaign, which fights discrimination against gender-nonconforming people who are applying for welfare or public assistance. It is very important to talk about issues like this, which a lot of people overlook. It shouldn’t be like that.
How do you want your generation to be remembered?
I want my generation to be remembered for being open-minded.
What is your biggest wish for the world?
My biggest wish for the world is for people to stop being scared of being judged, and to just be themselves. I wish we could teach our young men not to rape and abuse, rather than teaching our young women how not to get raped and abused. I wish the world could be a place where anyone and everyone can feel safe and welcome.Francesca, 17
Girls Advocating and Innovating the Nation (GAIN)
What do you stand for?
I stand for peace, positivity, and standing up for what you believe in. I also stand for self-expression.
How do you express yourself?
I express myself through the arts. I write a lot of creative writing and poetry. I sing. I dance. Anything artistic, I do that.
What’s GAIN all about?
I started this organization to empower young women in my community. We focus on building self-esteem in girls when they’re young, and to give them the tools they need to get their voices heard.
What led you to start GAIN?
I used to go to school in East New York, one of the tougher neighborhoods in Brooklyn. I noticed that a lot of the girls there seemed like they had lower self-esteem. I asked a few friends if they wanted to get together and mentor some of the preteen girls to help build up their confidence, and they said yes. Soon other girls wanted to join us, and I noticed that the girls we were mentoring were starting to become more comfortable in their own skin.
What is the most important thing a mentee has ever taught you?
They all teach me to listen. When you’re building a relationship with younger girls, you have to be an active listener. Everyone needs someone who will listen to them.
Adults need to understand how to listen to young people. We are more adventurous, and that makes us better at having the courage to rebel and to start revolutions. Adults can learn a lot from us!Kodi, 17
Girls Advocating and Innovating the Nation (GAIN)
What do you stand for?
I stand for every young girl’s voice that hasn’t been heard.
As a GAIN mentor, what do you try to teach young girls?
I aspire to be a role model who shows girls that anything is possible. Whatever they put their minds to, they can achieve in a positive way.
What issues are teenagers facing in your community right now?
In my community, stop-and-frisk is a big issue right now. There are some kids who are so focused on getting stopped, questioned, and frisked that their minds aren’t on anything else. They’re afraid of leaving the house.
How are you taking action on this issue?
I spoke on behalf of the New York Civil Liberties Union during the stop-and-frisk court case a while back.
Was that scary?
No. It felt good to speak. There were lots of teens there, so I didn’t feel alone.Alex, 17
Teen Activist Project, New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU)
What do you stand for?
I stand for the power students’ voices have to make schools safer, more effective, and more enjoyable places to learn.
Tell me about the Teen Activist Project.
We are organizers and peer educators. We meet once a week to learn about civil liberties and legal issues affecting teenagers in New York, and we pass that information on to our peers and try to get them involved in fighting for their own rights.
Why is it important to educate young people specifically about this stuff?
Before I started working with the NYCLU, I had no idea about the amount of policing that happens in schools. We all know that students are walking through metal detectors every day, but it’s shocking how many students are brought to court and arrested in schools. Police presence is supposed to promote safety in schools, and while I support safety, pervasive police presence is psychologically harmful for students.
Less than half of New Yorkers between the ages of 18 and 29 cast a ballot last year. It is really important that they know that there are issues at stake that target them very specifically and that their voice needs to be heard. Especially the ones who just graduated from public schools—they have a very important perspective on education policy.
What’s the biggest misconception older people have about young people today?
Some people think social media puts young people in the wrong direction. Social media is a great outlet for young people to find supportive communities and get involved in activism. It makes activism approachable for people who are any age.
What do you do when you’re not informing people of their rights or urging them to vote?
I also co-founded an organization called Teen Concerts NYC that organizes concerts for young musicians in New York. We’re still working to get in touch with more musicians, especially young female musicians!
Which freedom fighters have inspired you?
Jane Jacobs was a journalist in the second half of the 20th century who focused on urban planning and social ecology in New York City. She paid attention to nuanced things happening in different neighborhoods, and this is so important in a city as diverse as New York. Jane Jacobs spearheaded the cancellation of the Lower Manhattan Expressway that would have run directly through Washington Square Park and many other things like it. She is inspiring! She didn’t have a college degree in urban planning. Her work was so incredible because she was so observant and so involved in her community. This is an important message for activists everywhere–you don’t need a a formal degree, just a lot of love for your community.Diamond, 18
Teen Activist Project, New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU)
What do you stand for?
I stand for freedom of expression.
What does freedom of expression mean to you?
Freedom of expression means that you have the ability to be who you want to be, or say what you want to say, or do what you want to do without fear of being censored or silenced.
What’s an issue that you’re concerned about right now?
School bullying. Young people need to raise awareness about it. The bullying is going on among our peers. We go to school with them every day and we know how to speak their language. It is our responsibility to teach one another. New York state just passed the Dignity for Students Act, which protects students against all forms of harassment, but a lot of kids don’t even know about it. It’s important that we educate one another about our legal rights.
What do you do when you’re not out there speaking out about the issues?
I’m really into Irish dancing.
Has your experience as an Irish dancer affected your activism at all?
I’ve learned a lot from Irish dancing. I’ve learned how to be an individual. Sometimes you have to do something out of the ordinary to get attention. Before, I was really shy. Irish dancing made me a lot more confident. I learned how to be more expressive in general.
Anything else you want to share with Rookie readers?
I feel like our generation is moving in a positive direction. The only thing is that we need to learn how to stand up for each other. We need to find commonality and work together. We’re better as a team.This post was generously sponsored by Dr. Martens. The content was produced by Rookie. You can sign up to win a pair of Dr. Martens by visiting the company’s Facebook page.
72 Comments
This is the best.
I just love this! Brilliant article AND photos!!! ♥
Plus, I want some gold Dr. Martens!
While I think this piece is great, and it is inspiring and fascinating to hear about these fabulous young ladies, and I know Rookie cannot sustain itself with no funds, it makes me sad to see a sponsored post. I love my Doc Marten’s, but it feels much less genuine to see this on such an honest site. I hope they didn’t influence the content at all, but even if they didn’t, it just doesn’t seem to go with the theme, with what Rookie stands for. Is it necessary to display a brand in front of a really important message?
They didn’t tell us what to do–they helped us make this post and we are proud of it! It was made by Sandy and Jamia specifically for this month’s theme; I can’t think of much that would say VICTORY more, nor represent what Rookie stands for better, than the work these girls are doing.
I agree. The girls are telling us something important but you’ve also got them advertising some boots? The two messages don’t sit well together.
I get what you’re saying, but I am into activism AND cute shoes, and I’d guess I’m not alone in this, you know what I mean? Also, we don’t talk about the shoes, we just credit them the way we would with any style post. I’m not trying to persuade you to come around to this way of thinking — I appreciate your preference for a purer kind of activist statement — I’m just explaining my personal take on this. It’s a really interesting question that we think about a lot.
Companies have money.
Honest websites have people that need to get paid.
Honest websites have smart readers that know what’s up.
When I first started reading Rookie, I was amazed as to how much “real” there is, compared to the less “real”, all “business” glamour teen magazines.
After getting into online culture quite a bit, i noticed that many DIY artists – people my age, etc, were trying to score deals with big companies, with corporations. I bet you’ve seen it too.
And as a reader, you’ve got two ways to think. Remember when Sonic Youth got signed to a label? Half their fans yelled “sellouts!” and half yelled “you go guys, take the money from the enemy!”
I’m not saying that companies like DMs are “the enemy,” but they are definitely a name you wouldn’t want to mention in a DIY (web)zine to just get paid. The thing is, that’s what the readers think. The creators are just trying to get by. But they also have to calculate the reaction of the readers. And sometimes the negative reaction of a few readers can be worth it.
Many people run blogs completely for free. Because of that, their writing is unstable, they go on hiatus, they set up paypal donation links, basically cyber-begging for money. Some people collaborate with corporations, which allows them to keep their work alive, and keep spreading the message. When Rookie worked together with UO, they received quite a bit of backlash. But the thing is – they received this backlash only because web culture has taught us to be critical.
I’m just glad they aren’t promoting Kmart!
I think we should be happy when big companies support good things. What could be wrong with that. If it helps get these girls stories out there then that’s the important part, who cares if they did it in a way that you find tacky. I get what you mean, but I’m also glad that Rookie is more focused on getting good things out there than their are with being has “grass roots” and “indie” as possible.
What could be wrong with that is quite simple:
when you start receiving money from a big company, you become a dependent of that entity. It’s not an opinion, it’s an observation – you need the money to live, therefore you take the money from the big company, therefore you make yourself dependent.
It’s different than being supported by individuals I think – cause people have values, and they might want to support you financially in order to fight for such values.
Companies on the other hand are NOT people, and by mere definition they exist in order to make a profit, that’s IT. Their ‘support’ is another word for ‘product placement’ and getting visibility within a target market segment, here teenage girls.
What could go wrong – am not saying it does here, but it happens elsewhere – is that very big companies with means can make publishing entities become so dependent that they have enough power to influence the content of the publication, to THEIR liking.
So far Rookie has been great in keeping a transparent dialog about it, and i doubt the editorial line got pressurized by its sponsors into changing.
However, what if one of these amazing teen activists had been fighting against delocalized production of apparel in South Asian countries? Would Dr Martens have agreed to sponsoring the shoot?
I’m guessing they would have, since that is an important issue to them.
I can definitely see your point!
But – just talking about my first reading experience – I didn’t even think about the girls’ clothes/shoes when I read the article for the first time. I just appreciated that it was a sort of “eye candy” post combined with a “regular” Rookie article. (and how great is that?!)
My first thought was “OMG these girls are to die for! I wasn’t even close to being that committed to such important issues when I was their age!” The being sponsored by a specific brand didn’t in any way influence the way I perceived the article, regardless of how cute these boots are. (and they are awfully cute!) But maybe that’s just me…
I don´t think that is wrong that a brand sponsor a post, the wrong thing would be if the brand were a horrible brand that is not related with the cause. But if the brand is related with the cause, great from them. We really need different brands that bring positive messages and not just selling things. Rookie is a brand and is one of the best brands ever.
I adore this shoot! <3
these girls are all so badass and inspiring! everyone looks super cool – i’m SO THERE for diamond’s lipstick.
Yeah, right?! Just adore that lipstick!
I’m glad you like! It’s OCC Lip Tar, for future reference. You can grab it at Sephora. :)
Is that the Chlorophyll – shade?
This is so amazing. I love seeing people of my generation recognized for doing something, especially girls, since I feel like older generations always criticize us and blame us for the problems we have today. So inspiring, and I loved the outfits and every bit of the shoot!
iduskhfkx this is an amazing shoot! The girls are really inspiring! Dr Martens are my fav. brand I have like five pair so far. Love this
-Aida
omg these girls are amazing
Just. Wow.
green lipstick + doc martens = the best thing EVER
Yes Irish Dancers! I know that’s not the point of this post, but its so lovely to see a kindred spirit <3
OMG THIS IS JUST SO. GOOD. These girls definitely deserve a gold star. I really liked how there were colored girls in this shoot, because us women of color can definitely be as stylish as a white model in a magazine. I really like the fact that these girls are doing something important, because it inspires me to strive to make a change, even though I’m only a teenager. They show that there’s nothing ‘only’ about being a teenage girl, and I really admire that about them. Also, the clothes were FAB by the way.
As awesome as this post should have been, I have to agree with idkman. Having been sponsored by doc martins made this come across as kind of undermining the girls’ achievements and activism. It kind of takes away from the emphasis on their leadership skills and intellect when you pair it with a focus on her physical appearance! I mean, come on guys. It’s kinda like-
“Yeah she’s like, cool for taking a stand against sexual harassment and all, but really- LOOK AT HER CUTE SHOES! DON’T SHE LOOK PRETTY?! YOU SHOULD BUY THIS.”
Sorry. I’m not into it.
ughh, i agree. i REALLY get that rookie REALLY need to have sponsors etc., and i REALLY don’t mind sponsored content when rookie does it so infrequently and is so upfront about it.
BUT, i just feel this was completely the wrong post to do it on.
That being said, kudos on including so many girls of color. It’s nice to see some diversity.
I’m glad you guys have shared how you feel about this and understand where you’re all coming from.
We were approached by Doc Martens to do a sponsored post with their campaign, and we thought both their brand (which we’ve featured heavily on our own anyways! Example: https://www.rookiemag.com/2012/05/leather-and-lace/) and the campaign’s message fit with both the Rookie style and message. The campaign aims to spotlight teenagers who are doing something special and we were excited to be a part of it. We get offers to do sponsored content every day, and they are rarely as Rookie-ish or inspiring as this one was. To us that was a good thing.
We have featured teen activists before without having to make money to sustain our site for it. We have also done stylized shoots where we feature people we admire instead of using models. We have also used Docs a lot on our own. This post did not in any way feel to us like a compromise of our style or message.
It should be obvious that we need money to sustain Rookie. You are not charged to read it and we have a staff of about 80 writers, illustrators, photographers, and editors to support, plus the costs of running a website and holding events. To do a sponsored post that would help support our costs, that also feels right with who we are, that spotlights a handful of girls who are doing awesome things? We were excited to see an idea from an advertiser that felt like they actually understood us and what we like to do with our space. The fact that we make money off of it should not take away from Jamia’s thoughtful interviews, Sandy’s gorgeous photos, or the girls’ messages.
Am I the only one who didn’t just focus on the shoes? I mean, I went through the interviews, looked at the pics, and then saw the sponsored by Doc Martens thing. I fully enjoyed the article. If everyone needs to be so critical, then you better not complain when companies stop charity lines or activism promos. I certainly don’t think Rookie should start having every article sponsored. But we also need to realize what a good thing it is for a large company to support such a feminist empowering site. Isn’t that a good thing? Or is having super sexualized advertising campaigns that objectify models and never support charities or sites like Rookie a better option? If you don’t like corporate culture (me!) then why not celebrate when a company goes outside the box and supports something great?
Agree! :)
That blue lipstick is so rad. JESUS.
I run a Women’s Discussion Group at my school and this stuff always inspires me.. :)
this was so so so so cool.
This is such a great article. Love the makeup, love the boots, love the message, LOVE IT ALL.
Don’t hate, appreciate.
Why are comments closed on the 7pm article today??? :(
I have no idea! I will open them now!
Thank you!
I really loved this photoshoot, and I don’t think the sponsorship from Dr. Martens really changed how the article was perceived by me. When I look at these pictures I see 6 girls who are doing something badass to change the current state of their world, the message was a genuine one and no amount of sponsorship deals could take away from that. This was such a cool photoshoot, kudos Rookie!
Thanks for making me aware of these amazing young woman! They are rock stars!
10000% into this, so inspiring to know of young activists!
Thanks to everyone for your feedback. It was an honor to interview six dynamic and inspiring catalysts. In a media and advertising culture where girls and young women are often sexualized and rendered as sexual objects, I believe it is important to commend companies who provide healthier alternatives. I have wonderful memories about purchasing my first pair of Doc Martens in London when I was 12. I still have the same pair because they represent so many memories of first rebellions, protests, dance parties, and desert climbs with my friends. I stand by this piece and the amazing young women we profiled. I’m grateful that the support we received helps make it possible for this fabulous publication and community to thrive. LOVE, Jamia
Jamia, your first rebellions, protests, dance parties and desert climbs were experiences that came from your own intellect and spirit—not from your shoes. I’ve admired your ethical commitment in your writing before, and your willingness to conflate principles with purchases in the minds of young readers makes me wonder if that admiration was misplaced.
I feel like I need to approach Rookie more cynically now, and that is a total bummer.
This could have been a cheap “be yourself!” shoot with Docs and studs and flannel, but we thought it would be cool to have an activist like Jamia conduct these interviews to give it substance so that we were ACTUALLY spotlighting the idea to stand for something. She directed us to these girls and asked them terrific questions. If her efforts and execution in this post or any of her other writing are now tainted for you because Rookie needs to make money like any other publication, I wonder if it’s your cynicism that’s misplaced.
there is absolutely nothing wrong with commodity fetishism. we do it all the time, i bet you do it and you’re not even aware of it. i understand the joy of not being sold anything, but this anger is misplaced. i think most people here are getting angry at the ideas they have tied to things like “sponsored posts”, “corporations”, “purchases” etc instead of what’s actually happening.
if you’re not down with capitalism, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
and also – you should have been approaching rookie cynically even before this post. and it shouldn’t be a bummer. because you should be critical of everything, but it shouldn’t interfere with your respect and/or adoration.
(this is in response to OH NO, not Tavi, just in case)
This is a great post, and I love the campaign and the company – I always feel ready to take on the world when I am wearing my dms! Plus, I love the fact that they are gender-neutral, stylish AND practical to wear :)
why is everyone acting like Rookie did a Kmart sponsored post? it’s getting kind of annoying. of all the big things happening in the world, is it really that big of a deal for Rookie to do a sponsored post? I mean, God! I loved this post, the shoes, everything. I found nothing wrong with it.
Ilove this post sooooo much! it make feels like this world can change and be a better place with these amazing people!!!
genuinely such beautiful, beautiful girls in this shoot.
Dude..you guys are so awesome. I want to be like these guys.
Woah this article was absolutely awesome! Loved the photoshoot, did not bother me it was a “sponsored” message. The shoes looked cool and the girls were even cooler.
We get to read this site every day for free. I sure as hell hope the writers, photographers and artists are given the $ they deserve for their awesome content. The fact that Rookie was upfront that this post was sponsored is enough for it not to feel shady for me. They put it on the very first page of the slideshow and in the tags. If it was like fine print kinda stuff or wasn’t mentioned at all then I could see a problem. Anywhoo, great interviews and pics! I would love to do activist stuff. : )
Yes of course Rookie needs to sustain itself, my criticism was of sponsored articles in particular.
Linking to advertisers has the potential to undermine the integrity of Rookie. For example, there are teenage girls working in very poor conditions in garment factories throughout the world. If someone were to submit an article about this that implicated Urban Outfitters would Rookie be able to run it?
There are some amazing ethical companies out there who would advertise on Rookie. There are other ways to make money, I’m a fan of the Rookie merchandise.
Of course this is an article that would not have run in most other publications so props to Rookie for being what they are. And also for having editors that are willing to engage with their readers. This is what makes Rookie great and why I keep reading it.
Rookie edited my comment where it mentioned Urban Outfitters. Thanks for proving my point Rookie.
I took out a part that would take too long for me to fact-check. I left in your other anti-UO statement. Not sure what point this proves except that I am busy.
No conflation at all. My point was that I attributed symbolism to shoes that were a constant in my life when I moved a lot and went through so much. If the shoes had been free they would have been a metaphor just the same. No material defines who we are plain and simple and that was not my project. Do I want young women to be able to have this site and community and a sustainable model to build their work so this lives on? Yes. All companies are not created equal.
Pic number 15 with all the subjects in NYC subway power hang makes me cry. I love this post so much, am so inspired.
Also this is a dumb NYC inside baseball question but WHAT TRAIN WERE YOU ON?! IT’S SO CLEAN.
I prefer to focus on all the positive points of this photo shoot / interview: teenage girls who are passionate about the causes and concerns they believe in, actively working for these causes, AND looking awesome.
if you are accomplishing more impressive things, in DMs or not, please step forward. If not, learn a little here about some things that are truly important – gender equality, bullying, etc.
I just think, cool a big brand supports rookie. That’s good! Doc Martens seem to be pretty good company and it’s a way to get important messages out to a wider audience.
I don’t get what People are angry about. I mean, everyday we get to read three brilliant Posts for free, created by artists, writers, photographers,…i always wonder how you get the Money for all that. It’s an amazing work you guys do and we should appreciate it and be grateful about the fact that a great brand (and Dr. Martens is great AMIRIGHT) thinks that what they are doing is amazing.. Seriously People, think about it!!
Also, to comment on the post itself: These Girls are just perfection, i admire the work they are doing and they look SO RAD in those pictures!!!
Makes me miss NY…
I love you Rookie.
This is brilliant! Such a great message.
I love this…honestly I hear way too many generalizations regarding the laziness/lack of motivation present in our generation from my university professors (not that I believe it!) and this was so refreshing to see and hear. Love the Doc Martens as well. Thank you Rookie!
I liked this post. It’s so inspirational to read about these girls, making the world a better place. I think it’s great that there is a debate though.
Squee! These girls are so rad.
I think this is great. It’s nice to hear people are out there doing something for a cause they feel strongly about <3
also dm's are the most perfect shoes ever
LOVE the photos Sandy!! This is such a wonderful shoot. Jamia can bring the best out of people when she interviews them!! I respect every one of these young women!! You go ladies, the idea to match these rad young women with the most rad shoe company around is…..dare I say rad? Lol Okay I’ll stop. I get that some are confused but come on, this is a wonderful shoot and interview and I for one and excited for all 6 of the beautiful young women featured!! Thanks Rookie, I never feel cheap after reading your stuff. (: The real question though……did they get to keep the shoes?! lol.
This article was wonderful (only I wish the debate about DMs had remained free of patronizing / biting comments – kindness + Rookie being associated in my mind).
Anyway, it’s the first time I see a truly substantial photoshoot where there is meaning AND fashion.
These girls have so much style and so much beauty inside and out!!! Reading and seeing this makes me want to do more, be braver, and more assertive.
Thank you for making us meet them !!!
Love,
V.
I really like this post, and speaking out generally, I kind of feel like activism has a “dark” side no one really talks about.
For example, I made some pro-choice posters (saying that many women die because of anti-interruption laws and it should be kept safe – nothing sexist, racist or bad), and I posted them on the girls bathroom door, but a teacher found them and brought them to the teachers lounge. When my father (who also teaches at the same school) foud out that I did them, he forbade me to go to a Shonen Kinfe concert, and said I have to wait till next monday, when teachers are going to have their “session”, and that I shouldn´t be surprised if I am in trouble for it.
I think that this side, should be also mentioned in such articles (but I´m just saying, no offense or something).
I personally see nothing wrong with this post. I love shoes, and the only thing better than pictures of really sick shoes are pictures of strong inspiring women rocking those sick shoes the way they were meant to be rocked.
This is seriously my favorite post on ROOKIE EVER.
I love how strong, bright and just awesome these grrls are. These are just, like, QUEENS. I admire those grrls so much. YOU RULE.
And I desperately want to rock that dark green lipstick it is FABULOUS!