‘It’s our duty to fight for freedom’: the Los Angeles teen who fought for change and won

Kahlila Williams became a major voice in the city's movement for social justice. Today, her commitment to holding those in power accountable remains steadfast

A protest can be so many things at once. It can be a forum to fight injustice, an artistic release, an outlet for anger, a birthday party. Watch Kahlila Williams protest, and you'll see all of the above.

The day before Kahlila's 17th birthday, in October 2020, she stood on the back of a truck holding a bullhorn, leading more than 100 people in chants of Black lives, they matter here." The truck rolled through downtown Los Angeles, past courthouses, city hall and police headquarters.

This story was adapted from Don't Wait: Three Girls Who Fought for Change and Won by Sonali Kohli (Beacon Press, 2024). Excerpted with permission from Beacon Press.