In 2014, after 27 years in power, Burkina Faso’s then president Blaise Compaoré sought to remove term limits so that he could remain in power indefinitely. While Compaoré had long functioned as a semi-authoritarian leader, removing term limits would have made a shift to democracy significantly more difficult. Sensing a unique (and fleeting) opportunity, the youth of Burkina Faso gathered together to lead a transformative protest movement which revealed the authoritarian nature of such a move and reframed a seemingly dire situation as an opportunity for the people to work together to make change by taking to the streets.

As Moms for Liberty pushes book bans and extremist school board takeovers, Grandparents for Truth is fighting back. By exposing political violence, reclaiming the language of family and freedom, and mobilizing communities, they’re shifting the conversation. The fight for truthful, inclusive education is far from over—but they’re making sure the next generation has a chance to learn without fear.