Hey y’all,

This Saturday is Juneteenth, which is the oldest known celebration of the end of slavery in the US, known by many as America’s second independence day. Learn more about the history of this holiday, and then find ways to celebrate using these resources from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Let's Do This,

Jackie (she/her)

Why We Should Care: How the DoSomething Community is Shedding Light on the Social Justice Issue We Should All Care About

The Problem:

Racial justice. The environment. Mental health. LGBTQ+ communities. If you and your friends care about these issues, we should all care about the force that is threatening all of them: Big Tobacco.

For decades, the tobacco industry has used predatory tactics with the aim of getting Black, Brown, LGBTQ+, and low-income individuals hooked on its deadly products. The results have been devastating for these communities and for the planet.

The Solution:

Fighting tobacco use is a social justice issue. As the generation that is leading movements for a more just and equitable world, Gen Z is primed to take on Big Tobacco and protect our communities, our planet, our mental health, and our future.

“Tobacco is an issue that affects every single person in some way. It affects individuals, physical health, mental health, environmental health, it plays a role in the development of racism and equality in our country, but it is something that every person can contribute to change,” says DoSomething member Lyndsey, 19. “This is why it is important to bring up Big Tobacco, for not only the well-being of ourselves and those we love, but also for each and every person around the world.”

“Tobacco has been hurting marginalized communities for too long. With knowledge on our side we can fight back,” says DoSomething member Josephine, 22.

Join the DoSomething community in fighting back against Big Tobacco through education. Take a quiz, then use our easy guide to start a conversation with a friend on how tobacco use intersects with the cause they care about.

This week in Black joy… high school grad and soon-to-be Harvard student Verda Tetteh turned down a $40,000 scholarship and asked the school to award it to another student.

My hero today is… Darnella Frazier, the teen who filmed George Floyd’s murder and was just awarded and honorary Pulitzer Prize.

This week in Pets of DoSomething… Senior Software Engineer Rafa’s dog and Data Scientist Kat’s cat!

DoSomething Turns 28: Celebrate With Us!

In honor of DoSomething’s 28th anniversary, last week we asked you to share with us what DoSomething means to you. Here are some of our favorite responses!

“DoSomething is kind of like my teacher out of school. It teaches me on social impact and change, and the progress that individuals are making towards necessary change in our world. DoSomething highlights the problems individuals face that I may not see, and when I am exposed to these problems, I take appropriate steps to alleviate them. DoSomething influences me and motivates me to make change—and for that I am thankful to be involved with it.”

- DoSomething member Alondra, 17

“DoSomething has personally helped a lot during the pandemic when I had no idea on what to do back to the community. It has given me ideas on the things to do to help others around the community and to make a real difference. Thank you DoSomething.org.”

- DoSomething member Patricia, 14

“Even though I am a new member of the DoSomething team, I still witnessed countless young people bringing change to our community. Words can't describe how beautiful it is to see so many teens changing the world, community, or even a person's life. And knowing that DoSomething allowed them to make such an impact, it's astonishing. I am proud to be part of this community and contributing in it. Thank you DoSomething for letting me and others have this wonderful opportunity.”

- DoSomething member Dominika, 14

“DoSomething means inspiration to me. Inspiration to spread good in the world. I have seen the world in a different way since joining DoSomething and I think that is so cool. Also, to be young and make change in the world is so empowering. It's awesome that we can show that the Gen Z generation really is powerful and important in society.”

- DoSomething member Carter, 13