Willow Smith Shares How the Younger Generation's Fight For Equality "Gives Me a Lot of Hope"

In a special Juneteenth episode of Red Table Talk on Friday, Willow Smith opened up about her generation's fight for racial equality. During the 35-minute conversation, Willow spoke with her mother, Jada Pinkett Smith, and her grandmother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, as well as civil rights activists Tamika D. Mallory and Angela Davis. "I feel like right now, [this is] the first time I've ever seen so many people on the same page," the 19-year-old star said, addressing global Black Lives Matter protests. "On one hand, that's really inspiring and gives me a lot of hope, and on the other hand, it kind of feels like, 'Just now?'"

After the group acknowledged Angela and her generation's contributions to social justice, they discussed how young people have taken up the mantle to continue progressive efforts. "Maybe it's the generations to come," Jada said. "Because when I look at Willow's generation, they have a different mindset." Willow agreed, adding, "Kids are growing up with this understanding that you can be whatever you want, and you're not defined by your oppression, or your gender, or your color."

Willow went on to talk about the dangers of cancel culture. "That is so prevalent right now," she said. "I'm seeing people shaming others, like saying really terrible things. Shaming people for what they're choosing to say or shaming people for not saying anything at all. If we really want change, shaming doesn't lead to learning." Watch the full discussion in the video above!