Congressional candidate Ajwang Rading spoke to Palo Alto High School students — and the Verde Magazine staff — Wednesday, as a part of his effort to engage teens in politics and his campaign.

“It’s young people who need to be addressing the issues of today,” Rading said. “I’m just a messenger. I’m trying to run [for Congress] to really represent the voice that you [teens] have … to say ‘Hey, I’ve got an idea.’”

In his talk, organized and facilitated by Paly’s Black Student Union, Rading emphasized the need for integrity, both in politics and in other activism pursuits.

“There are way too many people in public service and in the private sector going after the position, but purpose is what unlocks the spirit,” Rading said. “And that is what is really going to provide salvation for us as a people if we’re going to have any sort of meaningful impact in trying to address these big inequities.”