Interview conducted by Samir Abedin

Abdul Osmanu is a member of the Hamden Town Council and an HHS graduate. The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Samir Abedin: What does activism mean to you?

Abdul Osmanu: Activism, for me, comes in many forms. It’s about using your voice and connecting with others to take action and raise awareness. I didn’t think of myself as an activist for a long time; I just saw myself as a bored high school student who cared about a few issues. It wasn’t until around 2020, after years of working on campaigns and getting involved in police accountability efforts, that I started to recognize my role as an activist. The intensity of the work I was doing made me realize I was part of a larger movement.

SA: What extracurriculars were you part of at HHS?

AO: I was involved in the Black and Hispanic Student Union (BHSU) and became president in my senior year. This role helped me grow comfortable using my voice and advocating for others. It felt more than just a club; we were invited to events and engaged with groups focused on social justice. This experience empowered me and showed me that young voices matter.

SA: What were your favorite classes?

AO: My favorite classes were AP Government, with Mr. Coss, and American Studies, taught by Ms. Alexander and Ms. Young. I remember I wrote a paper on the rise of the New Right in the ’70s and ’80s, exploring how it laid the groundwork for today’s media landscape, and like Fox News’ posturing. Writing that paper at 15 made me realize I could engage with complex topics, which was a significant moment for me.

SA: What is your advice for young people who want to be more active?

AO: Just go for it! It’s easy to hold back due to self-doubt, especially when you’re young and surrounded by older, seemingly more experienced people. The worst that can happen is stepping outside your comfort zone and learning from the experience. This is the best time to explore different areas of activism and find your niche. Even if some experiences don’t resonate, you’ll gain valuable insights along the way.

SA: What opportunities should high schoolers look for?

AO: Political campaigns are always seeking volunteers. There are many social justice organizations looking for youth involvement as well. You can do some research, start by studying the broad topic first, then identify what specifically interests you. This process is similar to getting involved in activism: dive in and see what resonates. You’ll likely discover a particular niche that you want to focus on.

Young people bring fresh ideas and energy, which is vital for progress. Often, innovations come from younger individuals who see things from a new perspective.

SA: What media form do you think has the most impact??

AO: For young activists, social media is incredibly powerful. While it’s important to branch out and explore other media forms, platforms like TikTok have become essential for disseminating political information. I believe in diversifying our approaches to communication, as different formats can reach different audiences effectively. But, zines and social media are the best right now.

SA: What causes should youth get involved in?

AO: Young people should engage with issues that resonate with them, especially those they feel are overlooked. Chances are, you’re not alone in your concerns—others share the same frustrations. Historically, major social changes have been driven by youth in high schools and colleges, so don’t underestimate your ability to make an impact. Chances are, there are at least 5 other like-minded individuals, and that sounds a lot like a committee!

If you are feeling inspired to make a difference at HHS, here are some clubs that do so:

Eco Club, formerly known as The Green Team, raises awareness about environmental issues. On October 2nd, they hosted a river cleanup. They frequently have guest speakers and are partnering with the Six Lakes Coalition. They meet every Wednesday in Mrs. Cowan’s room and are very excited to host the Earth Day fair in the spring!

Pride Club is a safe space that aims to educate people and help HHS staff become comfortable with the LGBTQIA+ community. They work closely with the Gender Equality Club and recently collaborated for a Coming Out Day celebration on October 11th. They set up a table in front of the cafeteria from periods 2 through 7, giving out pride flags and pronoun stickers. They meet on the first and third Wednesdays of every month in Mrs. Gallo-Yatcko’s room. They are planning another event with the Gender Equality Club on November 18th to create holiday self-care packages.

The Gender Equality Club started as a feminist club and has since expanded. It provides a safe space and works closely with the Pride Club. The club gives presentations to various HHS departments and holds discussions about pronoun positivity and related topics. It meets every other Tuesday in Ms. Young’s room.

PAWS promotes pets and animal welfare, hosts many guest speakers, and organizes donation drives for animals. They have an upcoming event with a shelter, featuring Olympic runner Alexis Holmes on November 2nd. They meet twice a month on Wednesdays in Mrs. Aguiar’s room.