The Gen Z media brand Awesomeness, a part of ViacomCBS, will kick off a new YouTube and IGTV series on July 11 that focuses on social issues as we head toward the presidential election in November.

What it’s Like is a five-part series that takes on timely topics and makes them palatable for younger audiences by addressing each issue through Gen Z’s eyes. It will include panel discussions, musical performances, and professionals talking to — not at — a younger audience.

On July 11 at 5 p.m. ET, the first episode of the series will focus on the topic of being a Black teen in America. Political strategist and filmmaker Carri Twigg will lead a discussion with a panel of Black teenagers and young celebrities, including Nia Sioux (Dance Moms), Skai Jackson (Bunk’d), Bryce Xavier (Follow Me), Daniella Perkins (Middle School Moguls), and Honey Robinson (The Sweet Life of Honey). They will discuss how they deal with racism in their daily lives, offer solutions on solving racial imbalances, and talk about how to support communities of color.

Both Tiana Major9 and H.E.R. will perform, and H.E.R. will discuss her new song, “I Can’t Breath.” Throughout the episode, Awesomeness will also encourage families to donate to and learn more about the nonprofit movement Made In Her Image, which creates programs to help young girls, nonbinary kids, and women of color advance in the entertainment industry.

If we’ve learned anything over the past few months, it’s that tough conversations need to be had. Kids are the future — let’s talk about their present.

About the author

Nicole Savas

Nicole Savas

As a kid, Nicole either wanted to be a professional toy player-wither or a writer. Somehow, as social media editor for The Toy Insider, The Toy Book, and The Pop Insider, she’s found a career as both. She's grateful to work somewhere that she can fully embrace both her love of teddy bears and her admiration for the Oxford comma. When she's not playing with toys at work, she's playing with her baby girl at home.

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