As the world begins its journey into the new year, we are left to wonder: is there any hope in politics and the world around us? Day by day, we see the news: Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and everybody in between are often caught in political fights or disagreements. For younger people, I speak for the masses when I say we are disappointed in the world around us. Now, we want change.

All around us, we see injustice. Too often, teenagers turn a blind eye, a critical mistake. Whether it’s harassment, unfair treatment, or even deadly incidents involving law enforcement, injustice is not limited to one city or state. It happens all over the world. From civil unrest in major cities to government crackdowns in other countries, young people are witnessing patterns of systemic failure. And their fears? Only heightened by the rise of social media and mass misinformation. The average teenager is left to wonder: is there a place for me in politics?

In the midst of these challenges, it can feel easy to turn a blind eye and blame political parties or people we disagree with. Very rarely do we stop to ask what accountability, justice, and responsibility actually look like.

In our most recent Teen View interview with a candidate for the U.S. Senate, we learned that for Mr. Dakarai Larriett, these questions are not theoretical, they are personal. His story, both unsettling and inspiring, forced me to rethink what accountability should truly look like.

After being pulled over in Michigan, Larriett was falsely accused of drug trafficking. What followed was not just a routine traffic stop, but an eye-opening experience, one that became a turning point for him. On April 10th, 2024, as he recounts in his memoir Don’t Flush!, Larriett describes a late-night drive through Benton Harbor and the details of an encounter that would change his life and his perspective on politics.

Following that night, Larriett was subject to mistreatment that he says no citizen should ever endure. His case continues today. Through reviewed body and dash camera footage, it was revealed that officers had attempted to plant evidence in his vehicle. After hearing his story, it became clear not only to me but to everyone in our country, something must change.

That experience, which could have broken even the strongest person, instead fueled his desire for justice. Today, it stands at the center of his campaign for the U.S. Senate.

To my peers, I ask: why should we care about what happened to Mr. Larriett that day? It’s easy to think, “That’s just one person; it has nothing to do with me.” But his experience is a lens into the larger systems, biases, and injustices that affect millions of people every day, issues that both adults and teens must be concerned about.

This experience did more than challenge him; it shaped the person he is and who he wishes to become. After years navigating the corporate world at companies like Louis Vuitton, traveling internationally, and advocating for public health and LGBTQ issues, he returned to Alabama in 2020 during the pandemic. What he found was a state in dire need of help and leadership.

“I realized that even after working with some of the largest corporations in the world, after traveling and advocating globally, nothing prepared me for the way our systems could fail someone at home,” he told us. His personal encounter with law enforcement, coupled with years representing corporate interests, only fueled his inspiration. He finally knew it was time, his mission to ensure no voice goes unheard and no injustice goes unchallenged is why he decided to run for the U.S. Senate.

When I asked Mr. Larriett what drove him to run, he spoke of a lifetime shaped by experience and inspiration from those around him. Growing up in Birmingham and attending the University of Alabama, he saw the challenges families faced as they built their lives. He also said that his parents continue to be people he admires, another source of inspiration. He reflected on his upbringing: “My mom is a teacher, my dad in the military. They taught me service, discipline, and how to fight for what’s right.”

Alongside his focus on criminal justice reform, Mr. Larriett notes many other priorities, including healthcare reform, education, and equal opportunity for all. On education specifically, he highlighted pre-K and early math development as a major priority. “Improvements in reading have been consistent, but math doesn’t match this,” he said. He emphasized the need for coaches and more support for struggling students, as well as increased rigor in education. He also criticized misallocated resources, noting that billions of dollars are spent on prisons and other federal projects at the expense of education. He strongly believes education must always come first and will fight for legislation to address this imbalance.

In a diverse state like Alabama, both ethnically and ideologically, I asked how he would represent people across the spectrum. He said, “I want to find the greatest common denominator among us all. We all want what’s best for our families. By using pragmatic language and focusing on shared goals, even people with different opinions can come together to reach the best possible solution.”

What struck me most is that Mr. Larriett’s commitment isn’t just about passing bills or pleasing one side. He truly cares about the people of Alabama. Something that became quite apparent through our conversation.

He emphasized the importance of accessibility and direct community engagement. “Face time, being accessible, having discussions with the youth, I want to regularly meet people,” he said. He strongly believes visibility is key, whether through social media, college events, or local gatherings. He even plans events in unexpected places, like nightclubs, and was recently featured in a music video by a Montgomery rapper. This creative approach shows that connecting with the community can be both innovative and approachable, something younger audiences value. His goal is not to appeal only to businesses or the politically connected but to everyone in Alabama who wants a better life, regardless of age, background, or perspective.

Lastly, I asked Mr. Larriett how he views America on the international stage. He expressed concern about our current role in the world. “Right now, America is seen as an aggressor,” he said. “In the last seven to eight months, we’ve bombed a foreign national almost every month. This starts to desensitize people and citizens.” He believes we should refocus, investing in better solutions than violence and hate to strengthen our global position.

When asked what he believes is the biggest issue today, he said the threat to democracy and safety. From incidents with ICE in Minnesota to increasing violence and systematic silencing, he believes our democracy is under attack. Citizens must speak up. His focus, both locally and internationally, reminds us that change starts when we all choose to be engaged.

It is clear now that, regardless of party or political interest, our time is now. Teens and adults alike can make a difference. Mr. Larriett has shown us that voices matter, questions matter, and participation shapes the future, now more than ever.

What I admire most about Mr. Larriett is his passion and unwavering commitment, evident even in our brief meeting. His story reminds us that true leadership isn’t about race or background, it’s about standing up for yourself and those around you, listening, and advocating for meaningful change. For me, Mr. Larriett is leading by example, a campaign and story worth following.

To learn more about Mr. Dakarai Larriett, visit https://dakarailarriett.com/