MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - Across the nation, the next generation have been stepping up in a huge way in response to the death of George Floyd. Locally protests in Mahoning and Trumbull County were both organized by young women under 20 years old. 

“Our grandparents had to fight and this is a fight we have to carry on; sad to say,” said YSU Junior, Myles Bossard. 

“When I'm driving in the car and get pulled over by the police, it doesn't matter what area I'm in, I automatically get fearful because you never know how it's going to turn out,” said Warren Protest Organizer, 20 year old Ty’onna Powell.

In the midst of their fight for equality, they remain optimistic. Powell says she was glad to see Warrens Police Department march alongside them at the We Matter March in Downtown Warren.

YSU administrators are also impressed with how students across the nation and locally are taking the initiative in the fight for racial equality.

“A lot of people say, they don't have organizational skills, they’re lazy and they don't think. Well, they debunked all of that by organizing and coordinating protests. Now I'm hoping that in Ohio, you’ll have young people asking what’s my next step? Can I be in a political office where I can make some firm policy changes or even go to congress where I can make the legislative changes,” said Carol Bennett, YSU Assistant Provost of Diversity and Inclusion.