Sophomore's organization fosters conversations on racial justice, mental health

At just 18 years old, Bella Hanson '27 already has a deep passion for social justice, activism and mental health awareness. 

A sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences studying English and Africana studies, Hanson created “I Matter,” a platform that empowers youth voices and promotes social justice. She’ll fly to Washington, D.C. in December to accept a Youth Civic Solutions award from The Institute for Citizens and Scholars for her work. The initiative is aimed at empowering individuals across the U.S. to develop innovative ideas that enhance civic knowledge and engagement.

The inspiration for “I Matter” began four years ago, when the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with the eruption of nationwide protests following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Hanson said. She said the surge of outrage, online activism and social unrest motivated her to channel her feelings of helplessness into creative expression. "Poetry and artwork were my ways of processing the world around me. It gave me an outlet, and I realized that others needed a space to share their stories too," she said.

“I Matter” started as a way to provide young people with a platform to speak out on social justice issues, especially as racial inequality continued to dominate the national discourse. Hanson's ambition is to ensure that “I  Matter” becomes a space where marginalized voices can be heard, with a focus on youth empowerment and education.

“I Matter” has reached thousands of participants, across the United States, Egypt, Japan, South Africa and beyond. "The most fulfilling part of this movement is seeing how far it's reached,” Hanson said. “We've been able to give people a place to express themselves, and we've opened doors for meaningful conversations about systemic racism and mental health."

One of the program's key initiatives has been a focus on civic engagement. Through literacy workshops and mental health training, Hanson has worked to educate the next generation on the importance of being informed citizens. 

In today’s digital age, where misinformation spreads rapidly across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Hanson believes young people must know how to differentiate between credible sources and unreliable information. “It’s important for Gen Z to understand what’s true and what’s not, especially when social media can be such a powerful tool for shaping opinions,” she said.

Hanson has received multiple awards for her work, including an invitation to join an advisory board for the Born This Way Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Lady Gaga. “I got to meet people from different walks of life, share ideas, and learn from them,” she said. “It gave me the confidence to continue speaking out and working toward change.” 

As an advisory board member, Hanson helped create resources to support youth mental health, organized virtual community meetings and published articles on the foundation's Channel Kindness platform. 

She was also nominated for a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award; received the Princess Diana Award, which honors young people who have made significant contributions to their communities; and was named one of Teen Vogue's 21 Under 21 in 2021. 

Hanson said one of the most poignant moments in her journey was her participation in a panel discussion at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Pa. The event brought together advocates and activists from all walks of life to discuss Floyd and Taylor’s legacies and explore ways to address systemic racism. Hanson opened the event with a poem. “Poetry has always been a way for me to process pain and injustice. It was meaningful to open the event with a poem because it allowed me to share my heart and connect with everyone there,” she said.

Despite her busy schedule as a student at Cornell, Hanson continues to find ways to dedicate herself to the movement. “Being in such a fast-paced environment at Cornell has taught me the importance of time management,” she said. "I have to make time for everything I care about, and ‘I Matter’ is one of those things. It's a priority." 

At Cornell, Hanson is also a Meinig Family Cornell National Scholar, a program for students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership. Students selected for the program are eligible for scholarships, funding for internship and leadership experiences, mentorship, community service opportunities and networking and connection events. 

The Meinig Scholar program has given Hanson the opportunity to participate in leadership development programs and connect with other amazing student leaders, she said. “I am currently working on receiving my Meinig project stipend to travel to Rwanda to host poetry and art workshops in Summer 2025.”

As Hanson continues her studies at Cornell and expands the reach of “I Matter,” she is committed to pushing for meaningful change. She envisions a future where young people have the tools to advocate for themselves and their communities. “I want ‘I Matter’ to continue to grow and provide a space for young people to speak their truth, share their stories and push for a better world,” she said.

Elizabeth Lara-Rivera '26 is a communications assistant for the College of Arts & Sciences.