Kelsey Simpson, a 17‑year‑old student at West Ottawa High School, told the TEDx Makatawa audience that social media both amplifies racist threats and offers unprecedented tools for positive representation. “The only way to break down these walls is to step out of our bubbles and truly get to know each other,” Simpson said.

Simpson described receiving racist mass texts in 2024, and recalled students at her school being frightened by messages that referenced slavery and harm. She argued those attacks are a form of psychological terrorism that hide behind automated messaging and anonymity. At the same time, Simpson highlighted Black creators and influencers who use digital platforms to showcase achievements and cultural life—naming examples such as Tabitha Brown, Wisdom Kaye and Kendrick Lamar—and said those creators reshape public images of Black identity.

Her call to action was practical: engage with positive creators, share cultural stories, and use social media as a classroom rather than an echo chamber. “Social media, for all of its flaws…I want you to know them too. Through technology and entertainment, my generation is working to teach the world about Black identity,” she said.

Ending: Simpson urged listeners to continue conversations begun at the event and to actively look up and support the people and creators she mentioned.