Kahlil Greene, aka ‘The Gen Z Historian’: “Latinos Hold the Power to Drive Real Change in the U.S.”

Storytelling has the power to transform activism into cultural impact, according to content creator Kahlil Greene, widely known as The Gen Z Historian. Speaking at Latino US Day during Cannes Lions 2026, Greene discussed the award-winning campaign developed with Founders to raise awareness about young victims of gun violence in the United States.

“The goal of our panel was to show how stories create change, why storytelling matters, and how activism can become art—and art can become activism,” he said.

Greene explained that the campaign reimagined the well-known “30 Under 30” concept to honor young people whose lives were cut short by gun violence before they had the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

To break through today’s attention economy, he argued, campaigns must be creative enough to surprise audiences.

“You have to create something innovative and unexpected if you want people to pay attention,” he said.

Greene also highlighted the role that creators and influencers can play in amplifying social causes by bringing new audiences into the conversation. When asked what advice he would give other creators, his message was clear: be courageous.

“If you’re passionate about a cause, you have to be willing to take risks to make people listen,” he said. Reflecting on Latino US Day, Greene described Latino communities as an essential force for social change in the United States.

“If meaningful change is going to happen, Latinos need to be informed, organized and engaged,” he said. “Bringing the community together in spaces like this is one of the best ways to build that collective power.”