“Revolution, Reform, and Reaction”: A Student’s Journey into the Gray Panthers Movement

At Gray Panthers NYC, we often say that intergenerational activism is not just part of our history—it is our future. That future is already here. Hadia Miriam, a high school student from Des Plaines, Illinois, recently completed a National History Day documentary on the Gray Panthers movement under the theme Revolution, Reform, and Reaction. National History Day is a rigorous national research competition in which students conduct extensive primary and secondary research to produce original historical projects. 

Over the past several months, Hadia immersed herself in the history of the Gray Panthers, the leadership of Maggie Kuhn, and the movement’s enduring impact on aging justice, intergenerational activism, and social reform. What began as a class assignment became something much more personal—and transformative. Below is her Q&A following a conversation with GPNYC President Michelle Arnot.

1.) How did you hear about Gray Panthers?

I first heard about the Gray Panthers just this year. When I was researching a topic for National History Day, a historical research competition that thousands of students across the United States participate in, I came across the Gray Panthers Movement. “Huh, what’s that?” I asked myself. As I began digging deeper into the movement, I knew right then and there that the Gray Panthers would be my topic without hesitation. Maggie Kuhn’s charisma, her radical ideas, and the movement’s mission inspired me so much that I couldn’t imagine choosing anything else.

2.) What motivated you to create a video on the topic?

What truly motivated me to create this documentary about the Gray Panthers was not only that it was required for my class and part of my grade, but more importantly, my desire to spread awareness about the movement. Through my research on the mission and the people involved, I felt that if I could help share the story of the Gray Panthers and amplify their message, that would be the greatest success I could achieve. Advocacy became personal to me through this process.

3.) What did you learn from interviewing current members that you expected to hear?

What I learned from the people I interviewed and spoke with for this documentary and for my own personal curiosity is truly beyond measurable. I heard exciting and insightful stories that deepened my research and helped me make meaningful connections. For example, from Randy Block, I learned more about the true intergenerational aspect of the Gray Panthers, which aligned with what I had already discovered in my research. From Jan Bendor, I learned about “Founder’s Syndrome,” which helped me better understand the organization’s challenges after Maggie Kuhn’s passing.

4.) What surprised you during the interviews?

One of the most surprising things I learned from longtime members was that the National Coalition of the Gray Panthers nearly dissolved at one point. It was through the dedication and hard work of three committed members that the coalition was revived and sustained. I was genuinely surprised to discover how close the movement came to fading but how individual passion and hard work kept it alive.

5.) Do you think the Gray Panthers’ mission is relevant today?

The Gray Panthers’ mission was — and will always be — relevant, especially in today’s society. In a world where youth and elders are often separated — in workplaces, social spaces, and everyday life — we have experienced a significant loss of intergenerational connection. Loneliness and stereotypes among older adults have increased, while young people are deprived of the wisdom of the “elders of the tribe,” as Maggie Kuhn often said. The efforts, mission, and motto of the Gray Panthers are incredibly powerful and deeply needed in today’s world. It is unfortunate that so many people are unaware of the movement and the serious societal issues it addresses. 

6.) What should Gray Panthers do to reach your generation?

Intergenerational connection is vital in today’s world. One suggestion I have for involving young people is to create youth councils or advisory boards and to partner with local high schools and colleges. Many people assume that young people are intimidated by older adults, or that older adults don’t want to engage with younger generations, but that isn’t true! By offering school internships, volunteer service opportunities, and educational outreach about the importance of intergenerational advocacy, more young people would become involved. When I discovered the Gray Panthers, I was truly inspired, and my passion for advocacy grew rapidly. I believe that if more young people simply knew about the movement, it could make a profound difference.

The last final detail I'd like to add is coming across the Gray Panthers, my hundreds of hours spent researching and meeting the incredible people part of this movement has been perhaps the most transformative event of my life. I am beyond honored and grateful to have chosen the Gray Panthers for this research project that has catalyzed into something so much bigger---that I truly could have never thought of! I want to thank everyone who I have spoken with and for their incredible inspiration for me to continue this journey in social advocacy!