Since opening its doors in 2017, Leaders Igniting Transformation, or LIT, has trained young Black and Brown activists throughout Wisconsin to become the next wave of leaders and organizers within the organization and in the community. 

Youth are getting exposed to activism this summer through LIT’s summer institute program, Civics Black Hogwarts, a political education and civic action program for young people, ages 14 to 34. 

The program is guided by four pillars of learning: intersecting anti-oppression work, civic engagement, political education and community organizing. 

Intersecting anti-oppression work helps young advocates to understand how oppressive systems and policies are linked and equips them with the knowledge to solve pervasive problems impacting the community, said Cristhabel Martinez, senior civic engagement manager.

“It’s about creating that space for participants to gain first-time experience in basic and advanced organizing and how they can really take action. And it all revolves around understanding how systems operate,” Martinez said. 

Youths involved in the Black Hogwarts program, which runs through July 26, will work to engage other young people in the community, increase voter registration and voter turnout, and inform them about civic awareness.

Voter registration goals

To increase voter registration and turnout, LIT plans to knock on 500,000 doors in Milwaukee to get voters out. 

“We already hit half of that this morning, 200,000 doors,” Martinez said. “Our team is working hard. I’m so proud of them. Also, just seeing the community and seeing how hard our canvassers have been working. It’s not just about the door knocking, it’s about educating the community.”

Along with going door to door, the Black Hogwarts will be taught how to access the polls and will know for themselves whether or not they are registered and what polling places are accessible. 

Throughout the summer, young advocates will participate in workshops and panels, and activists will talk to the cohorts about oppression, privilege, power and exploring identity.  

Change starts now

Jacksen Wolff, the cultural organizer for LIT and recruiter and outreach organizer for the Black Hogwarts summer program, emphasized the importance of empowering youths at a young age through education and organizing. 

“This is one of the most impactful forms of change that we can fight for. Having an educated youth ensures a better future,” Wolff said. “It’s so rewarding to see young people feel empowered within a system that’s not necessarily built for them.”

Wolff stressed the importance of Black Hogwarts engaging themselves in the community by attending events, collaborating with other organizations and encouraging young people to invite their friends to create change. 

"It’s lit at LIT"

Wolf said LIT plans to be at Bronzeville week festival Aug. 3 through Aug. 10 and the Black Arts Fest MKE on Aug. 3. 

LIT members encourage young people in the community to get involved in the programs that they offer, whether it’s high school, college, or civics programs, or just by attending one of their biweekly chapter meetings or community night events.  

“It’s lit at LIT. It’s always a good time. It’s fun. It’s hard work but one of the most inviting and empowering spaces young people can be in,” Martinez added. 

For more information

LIT holds biweekly meetings that the community can attend. If you are interested in getting involved or attending an event, you can find more information on their website.

Or you can follow their Instagram at @lit_wi to keep up to date with the latest events.