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From speeches to hashtags 

Sojourner Truth lived in the 1800s. She had been enslaved, but became free and used her voice to fight for justice. She travelled, spoke to people and gave speeches about slavery, racism and women’s rights.

One of her most famous speeches is called Ain’t I a Woman? In the speech, she challenged people to think differently about both race and gender.

Today, people still use their voices to fight for justice. Some give speeches. Some write texts. Some make posters, videos or songs. Many people also use social media.

A hashtag can help people share a message. It can make it easier for many people to talk about the same topic. In this way, a hashtag can become an important part of the fight for justice.

What is a hashtag #

A hashtag is a word or a phrase with the symbol # in front of it. When you use a hashtag in a social media post, your post is connected to other posts with the same hashtag. This makes it easier for people to find and follow conversations about a topic.

What is hashtag activism?

Hashtag activism means using hashtags to support a social or political cause. It gives people a way to share information, express their opinions and find others who care about the same issue.

Why are hashtags useful?

• They make posts easier to find:

Hashtags help people find posts about a specific topic.

• They bring people together:

Hashtags can connect people who care about the same issue. This can create more attention and support.

• They create awareness:

Hashtags can help more people learn about problems that do not always get enough attention in traditional media.

Use your voice

When you use hashtags, you can help share messages about justice and positive change. It is one way to use your voice for a cause you care about. You can also inspire other people to learn, think and act.

Social media gives many people a platform. How can we use that platform to create positive change?

#BlackLivesMatter 

Who started the campaign?

#BlackLivesMatter was started in 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi.

The hashtag started after a Facebook post that showed love and support for Black people.

Purpose

#BlackLivesMatter started after George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in 2013. Trayvon Martin was a 17-year-old Black teenager. His death and the court case led to strong reactions and discussions about racism and justice in the United States.   

The movement fights against racism and police violence against Black people. It asks for justice and equal rights.

Effect

#BlackLivesMatter became a global movement.

Millions of people have joined protests, campaigns and other activities. The movement has made more people talk about racism, police violence and unfair treatment.

#BringBackOurGirls 

Who started the campaign?

#BringBackOurGirls started after 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Nigeria by the terrorist group Boko Haram in 2014.

Nigerian activists and community leaders started the campaign. Oby Ezekwesili and Hadiza Bala Usman were important in spreading the message.

Purpose

The campaign wanted to bring attention to the kidnapped girls and put pressure on governments and international organisations to help bring them home.

It also focused on children’s rights and girls’ right to education.

Effect

Millions of people around the world used the hashtag to support the girls and their families.

Some of the girls were rescued or escaped, but some are still missing.

The campaign also made more people learn about Boko Haram and the problems girls can face when they try to get an education.

#FridaysForFuture 

Who started the campaign?

Greta Thunberg started #FridaysForFuture in 2018.

She began to miss school on Fridays to protest against the lack of action on climate change. She sat outside the Swedish Parliament with a sign that said School Strike for Climate.

Purpose

The campaign asks young people around the world to join school strikes and ask politicians and leaders to act on climate change.

It also wants more people to understand the climate crisis.

Effect

#FridaysForFuture has brought together millions of young people around the world.

The movement has led to many climate protests and has received a lot of attention in the media.

#MeToo 

Who started the campaign?

Tarana Burke started the Me Too movement in 2006. She wanted to support people who had experienced sexual violence, especially women and girls.

In 2017, actress Alyssa Milano asked people to share their stories about sexual harassment and abuse on Twitter. After this, #MeToo became known all over the world.

Purpose

#MeToo wants to show how many people experience sexual harassment and abuse. The campaign also gives people a chance to share their stories and be heard.

Effect

#MeToo made more people talk about sexual harassment and abuse. It became a global movement. It also led to more attention, action and changes in some workplaces and laws.

#NotYourCostume 

Who started the campaign?

#NotYourCostume was part of the campaign We’re a Culture, Not a Costume. It was started by students at Ohio University in 2011.

Purpose

The campaign wanted people to think about how they use clothes, symbols and traditions from other cultures as costumes.

It says that using cultural symbols as costumes can be disrespectful and can create stereotypes.

Effect

#NotYourCostume made more people talk about cultural appropriation and respect for other cultures.

It also made people think more carefully about costumes that may hurt or offend other people.