Today, Shawn Mendes premiered a long-form music video for “Youth”, featuring Khalid, that highlights an array of some of the most exceptional young people from around the world. Co-written by Marjory Stoneman Douglas students Emma Gonzalez and David Hogg, director Anthony Mandler, Larry Jackson, Shawn & Khalid, the video creates a literal stage to celebrate and honor the young, diverse and talented amongst us. The seven and a half minute video stars both Mendes and Khalid as well as over 30 different inspiring young people ranging from activists, painters, dancers, gun violence survivors, musical prodigies and many more splashed against a stunning New York City backdrop (A full list can be found below) The video, directed by Mandler this past June, also features a sculpture by New York-based contemporary artist Daniel Arsham.
“For the ‘Youth’ video, we wanted to make something that would highlight and empower young people, by giving the stage to a group of extraordinary kids,” said Mendes. “Khalid and I wanted them to be the focus of the video, and to give them a platform, in the hope that it can inspire other young people to pursue what they love and use their voice.”
Mendes debuted “Youth” as a World Record on Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 show this past May, and discussed the origin behind writing “Youth” right after the Manchester and London terrorist attacks: “I remember I woke up in the morning and the whole thought of my youth trying to be taken away from me…not youth as in my age, youth as in my love, my happiness, my joy, my purity. It’s not even about age, you could be 50 and your youth is there, it’s in you. And all of these horrible things happening in the world, all of the headlines, it felt like every day it was just being pulled more and more out of us. And I was like this is what we have to write about. And it was awesome. I’m really, really proud of that song.”
Prior to the film’s release, Mendes shared a TRAILER for the video that features a timely excerpt from a speech Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered to Barratt Junior High School in South Philadelphia in October of 1967, six months before he was assassinated. The speech, titled “What is your life’s blueprint?”, encouraged the young students to “Be the best of whatever you are.” Upon the trailers release Martin Luther King III took to Twitter share the trailer stating, “This year we observe 50 years since my father’s assassination. I can think of no greater tribute to his memory than to stand up
for the ideals for which he gave his life. I hope this inspires everyone, but especially young people, to use their vote their voice their power to work to create the vision of the world in which they want to live.” Full Message HERE.
THE COMPLETE LIST OF INCREDIBLE “YOUTHS” STARRING ALONGSIDE SHAWN MENDES AND KHALID IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE
Autumn De Forest, 17, Painter
Yetunde Washinton, Nia Mandisa Parker & Lourdes Honor Taylor, 18, 20 & 19, Hippelet Dancers
Lizzie Howell, 17, Ballerina
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, 18, Environmental Activist
Hasaan Hawthorne, 20, Wrestling State Champion (Double Amputee Wrestler)
Clawdeena, 18, Drag Performer
Zuriel Oduwole, 16, Filmmaker / Activist
Ahmed Mohammed, 17, Arrested for bringing a homemade clock to school
Kojo Odu Roney, 13, Prodigal Drummer
Giuliana Siraguso, 12, Hearing Impaired Dancer
Donielle Hansley, 14, Dancer
Sonita Alizadeh, 21, Rapper / Activist
Morgan Hurd, 17, World Champion Gymnast
D’Angelo McDade, 18, Survivor of Gun Violence
Jahne Benthall & Lynn Yeobah, 18, 18, Northstar Academy Policy Debater
Kaden & Brooklyn Bartlett, 12, Magicians
David Doktormen & Isaac Segal, 18, 19, National Policy Debate Champions
Phoenix Hunter, 8, Wrestling State Champion
Rayna Vallandingham, 15, Martial Arts Champion
Elias & Zion Phoenix, 12, Music Prodigies
Mars, 18, Gender Fluid Artist
Nassir Little, 18, All-American Basketball Player
Parker Clark, 14, Fire Performer
Austin Perine, 4, Superhero who feeds the homeless
Charlotte Reidy & Gabriel Ratner, 12, 11, Shakespearean Actor
Jack Andraka, 21, Inventor, Scientist, Cancer Researcher
Ethan Fineshriber, 14, Martial Arts Champion
