In a world where the voices of youth are often overlooked, Rhammel Afflick stands out as a beacon of empowerment and advocacy.
At just 29 years old, Afflick has emerged as a formidable force in the realm of activism, passionately championing causes that resonate with young people globally.
Born and raised in London, Afflick’s journey into activism began at a young age, fueled by a desire to address systemic injustices and drive positive change in his community.
“I don’t think I’m unusual in being someone who’s always been quite empathetic, but I think very unusual in, identifying a real vehicle for railing against injustice, when I reflect on where my journey in activism started, it started at age 11.
“It was my first campaign, age 12, which was all about an issue that still kind of is an issue today, which is the relationship between young black men and the, the police.”
With a keen sense of social responsibility and an unwavering commitment to equality, he embarked on a mission to amplify the voices of marginalized youth and tackle pressing issues ranging from racial inequality to climate change.
One of Afflick’s most notable endeavors has been his advocacy for racial justice and equality.
As a Black youth growing up in a diverse yet deeply divided society, he has experienced firsthand the impact of systemic racism and discrimination.
“There were lots of different motivators.
Rhammel speaking at St. Pauls, London. credit: @rhammified on Instagram
“Certainly my relationship with police officers in London and having seen how they treated, young black men that looked like me, how I was treated: I was repeatedly stopped and searched as a young person growing up in, in London.”
Determined to challenge the status quo, Afflick has been at the forefront of organizing protests, raising awareness, and engaging in dialogue to dismantle racial barriers and promote inclusivity.
Afflick’s activism extends beyond the realm of social justice, encompassing environmental advocacy as well.
Recognizing the urgent need to address climate change and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities, he has been instrumental in mobilizing young people to take action.
“One thing that’s important is that I often say to the decision makers I engage with now is that actually if politicians paid more attention to young people on the issues that they think are pertinent, actually they quite often find themselves ahead of the curve.”
From participating in climate strikes to advocating for sustainable policies, Afflick continues to inspire fellow activists to join the fight for environmental justice.
In addition to his grassroots efforts, Afflick has also utilized social media as a powerful tool for advocacy and education.
With a sizable following on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, he leverages his online presence to raise awareness about pressing issues, share resources, and foster a sense of community among like-minded individuals.
Through thought-provoking posts, insightful commentary, and engaging discussions, Afflick sparks meaningful conversations and encourages others to become agents of change in their own right.
“I guess it sounds slightly corny, but I think one of the things I’m very focused on in the advocacy I do now is around kind of collective care.
“Firstly, I think most people would admit that politics is a long-term effort, you know, and nothing happens quickly until there’s a scandal.
“And we can’t rely on scandals to get things done.
“And so for me, quite often it shouldn’t be the case, but when you’re involved in public campaigning, I think it can be easy to become the target of quite ruthless kind of abuse.
“I’ve certainly not been, even during my younger years, I’ve certainly not been given any grace on that.”
Despite facing obstacles and criticism along the way, Afflick remains undeterred in his pursuit of social justice and empowerment.
Any person of colour actively involved in public life, but particularly those engaged in politics, will be able to tell you this is an expected outcome of being visible. It’s been ignored for years on end, and just accepted.pic.twitter.com/MquKnaFxTY
— Rhammel (@Rhammified) March 13, 2024
His resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to his cause serve as an inspiration to youth activists around the world, proving that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact on society.
As he continues to advocate for a more just and equitable world, Rhammel Afflick serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of youth activism.
Through his tireless efforts, he not only amplifies the voices of marginalized communities but also paves the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for generations to come.
Feature image: Pixabay
