It's also customary for bloggers to make some kind of end of the year post, usually containing a list of some sort. Here is a list of people I'd like to thank for their support and encouragement in 2013. These are in no particular order and this is far from a complete list.
Zack Ford
I wouldn't be writing this blog and therefore wouldn't have done anything I've done this year if it would not have been for Zack Ford. By writing about LBGT issues on Think Progress he showed me that writing can inspire other people to speak out and take action.
Have a Gay Day
Have a Gay Day published the first serious piece I ever wrote. It's entitled "What I Did on My Summer Vacation." They showed me in a big way that my words could make a difference for other people.
Senator Josh Stein
Senator Stein stood up for the ability of teenagers to pre-register to vote in the NC Senate when the new voting legislation was being debated. Even though the legislation passed and this opportunity for young people was eliminated, Senator Stein continued to talk about the issue. He also takes the time to listen and speaks to the ordinary people of his state with respect.
Reverend William Barber
Reverend Barber is leading a revolution here in North Carolina. He spoke to the young people, encouraging us to not fight but find solutions to problems. He also took the time to speak with me personally and was very kind and encouraging.
Melissa Harris-Perry
I never thought I would ever be invited to appear on MSNBC and I'm so glad my first live interview was with Melissa. Being named Foot Soldier of the Week and then a Foot Soldier of the Year are honors I hope to live up to someday.
Noah Read
Noah invited me to speak at Moral Monday here in Alamance County. He put so much work into making it such an awesome event with a great turnout and continues to work to make our city and our state a better place.
Mark Sandlin
Mark is a leader who leads with grace and writes with honesty and eloquence. He and his group, The Christian Left, were some of the first people who believed in me.
Kimberley Johnson
Kimberley is an inspiring writer and activist who has graciously read over stuff I'm nervous about. She's helped me publish some of my stuff over at Liberals Unite and has laughed and screamed with me over the craziness of politics and activism. With people like her on the job, women might just get equal protection under the Constitution in my lifetime.
Kevin Wilson Jr.
Kevin not only made a fantastic movie called Little Red Riding Hood which gets people thinking about race and justice in the wake of Trayvon Martin's murder, he allowed me to be in the film. This was not only one of the highlights of my year, but of my life.
The Entire Staff at Fox 8 WGHP
Every experience I've had working with Fox 8 has been amazing. They've all been so fun and nice and let me say what I needed to say. They made me feel very at home and comfortable in their studio and not nervous at all before going on live television.
Molly McGowan
She was the very first reporter to contact me about doing a story and she has always reported what I've said accurately. She always contacts me to make sure she's got all the facts and stays away from sensationalism.
Alicia Menendez
When you're on live TV, not used to being on live TV, and get an echo of yourself in your earpiece, it's easy to panic but Alicia kept right on going and kept me right on going too.
Reverend Al Sharpton
Reverend Sharpton payed me a huge compliment on his show but at that time I didn't know about his activism when he was young. Now I realize what an honor that compliment really was.
Jamie Sohn
We might have never met under other circumstances, but will now be linked as sisters in baked goods forever.
Walter Boyd
Any time a local theater group puts on a show, Walter is always there to help in some way. He's one of the best examples of activism I know.
The Everlasting GOP Stoppers
When they pinned the video of my Moral Monday speech to their Facebook page, I started seeing it everywhere. When I realized THAT many people cared about what I had to say, I took a chance and decided to start my petition asking for federal legislation so teens can pre-register to vote.
Too many people on Twitter to even name
When I decided to use my Twitter account primarily for politics, I started meeting so many great people who have been with me from the very start and are all working to improve things in our country. A special shout out to @LaPajamas, @ChynnaBlue5, @leslieks @Robyn780,and @OtherBecky who are just a few of the awesome everyday women I've met working for change.
Everybody at MoveOn
What an amazing journey. MoveOn contacted me after I got a lot of signatures on my petition and helped me drive my campaign and bring my ideas to reality. It's a great honor to be MoveOn's youngest leader.
Because.
