ANNAPOLIS, MD — Yesterday, Governor Wes Moore delivered remarks at the 22nd Annual Blavatt Lecture series hosted by the Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College. Governor Moore’s lecture, titled More Than Waving a Flag: Redefining American Identity in a Gen-Z World, aimed to inspire today’s students to be leaders and responsible global citizens poised to make an impact in the world around them.
Following are excerpts from the governor’s remarks as prepared:“Gen Z embodies the best of us…you are part of one of the most hard-charging, inclusive, and activist generations in American history... if there’s anything our history teaches us, it’s that our institutions only improve when the new generation makes the choice to improve them. America owes its greatness to young people entering the fray to change the faulty systems they've inherited.”
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“We need to get good people with big dreams believing in the idea that they can change the direction of our democracy not by fighting the power, but by assuming it.”
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“Our greatest leaders have questioned the systems they work within. Our greatest leaders have remembered that your hope and your skepticism don’t have to be in conflict. Skepticism should always be your companion – but it should never be your conqueror.”
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“Each of us has our own work to do. Each of us has our own call to answer. But no matter the calling, do not give up on the possibility that you might find your own place in the American story. Do not give up on the possibility that you can help us write the next chapter – and you can do it not from outside the system, but from within it.”
The Blavatt Lecture series showcases individuals whose experience provides a first-hand perspective of the American political system while emphasizing the importance of public service.
The Eisenhower Institute empowers young leaders to tackle society’s most challenging public policy issues, encouraging students to explore the impact of public policy decisions, talk to people who are affected, create innovative solutions, and urge decision makers to take action.