2016 is already set up to be the year of the empowered black millennials. Many of them are engaged in the political process, with major attention spent on the #BlackLivesMatter movement as a result of police brutality, high rates of unemployment, the dire state of education in many states and other issues in the community.

The 2016 presidential candidates are being taken to task by black millennials and faced with tough questions and pushed to give action plans for the community. Several are running for office because they feel that they can make a bigger impact themselves with their ideas. By taking this route, they can make a big impact — and many currently are. Check out some of the young politicos making waves below!

City Councilman and Mayoral candidate Michael Tubbs — Stockton, CA

Stockton Councilman Michael Tubbs is one rising political star to keep an eye on this year. After winning his bid for the Stockton city council back in 2012 with backing from Oprah, he decided to make a Mayoral run this year. And if he wins, he will be the first black mayor of the city. The election will take place November 8th.

Chelsi P. Henry, Young Republican Rising Star

Chelsi was named by the RNC as a Rising Star back in 2014 and has been making waves ever since. Henry is a regular on Fox News and writes political op-eds for several publications, including Ebony.

D.J. Walters, DSCC Representative

Daryl Joy Walters, a graduate of Wiley College, is a rising star in Louisiana politics. She was once named likely to be “America’s First Black Female President” by Essence magazine and is one of the youngest elected officials in Louisiana.

Jonathan Townsend, candidate for Oklahoma House District 73

Jonathan Townsend cites his passion for politics starting in elementary school in student council. He has a deep passion for North Tulsa, the community he is striving to represent in the state legislature. If elected, Townsend will be one of the youngest state legislators as well as the youngest black legislators. Townsend’s primary election will take place June 28th.

Georgia State Representative Park Cannon

Representative Park Cannon is a unique and accomplished individual. She is the youngest member of the state’s governing body, and in Georgia’s deep red legislature, she stands proudly as a young, gay black woman. Cannon’s presence is especially important now as the state legislature is debating and passing anti-gay legislation.

Which young black politicians inspire you? Let me know in the comments below!