Since the tragic assassination of co-founder and CEO of TPUSA Charlie Kirk, Tuscaloosa, Ala., native Brilyn Hollyhand has amplified his already burgeoning voice. Hollyhand is the co-chair of the Youth Advisory Council to the Republican National Committee and has authored the book, “One Generation Away: Why Now is the Time to Restore American Freedom.” He also hosts his own podcast, “The Brilyn Hollyhand Show.”
Hollyhand’s passion is to engage Gen Z voters and keep them engaged, not just through the Trump presidency, but beyond.
After the news of Kirk’s murder, Hollyhand took to X and posted:
Since the death of his friend and mentor, Hollyhand has ramped up the conversation, increasing his presence and voice. He penned this op-ed on his Substack, which was then picked up by Fox News:
When I was in the fourth grade, I launched a podcast from my bedroom with nothing but a cheap microphone and a dream. At that age, most kids were worried about Little League or video games. I was worried about whether anyone would agree to come on my show. My first big guest was an up-and-coming conservative leader named Charlie Kirk.
I remember nervously typing out my first message to him: ‘Hey, this is Brilyn! Thank you, Mr. Kirk!!!’ His response came quickly: ‘Pls call me Charlie haha.’ That was Charlie in a nutshell — humble, approachable and encouraging. Over the years, he became not just a figure I looked up to, but a mentor and, eventually, a friend. He poured into me the kind of words every young person needs to hear: ‘You are terrific! Keep the hustle and the focus. You are going places.’
Those weren’t just throwaway compliments. Charlie lived them out. He believed deeply in young people, especially my generation, Gen Z. He saw potential in us even when the culture told us we were apathetic, addicted to screens and lost. He knew that if someone believed in us, challenged us and gave us a chance, we could be a generation of fighters, not quitters.”
On a Thursday analysis spot on a regional radio show, I also spoke to the power Kirk held over Gen Z and Gen Alpha for those very reasons: because he offered a vision, he embodied purpose, and he gave these young people hope in their future.
The left has only sought to mutilate them, drug them, and addict them, inuring them to screens and violence, blunting their potential. Kirk built a movement through his articulation of truth, his willingness to debate and dialogue, and the life he embodied of a solid marriage and a solid faith.
There are so many young people who are the visible fruit of Kirk’s mission, and his brutal murder has awakened them, challenging them to take up the charge, live their lives on purpose, and stand and fight for America and its values.
However, I see Hollyhand as the most visible embodiment of this. With Kirk’s death, he is now on the national stage and meeting his moment.
Hollyhand met with President Trump on his May visit to address University of Alabama graduates. As 1819 News reported, Hollyhand’s discussion with the president involved how to:
[M]ake sure 2024 wasn’t just an anomaly and how we keep Gen Z for the GOP in 2026 and 2028. I told him he has a secret weapon, and he asked what it was. I said, ‘Our strategy to keep Gen Z’s vote is this new novel concept in politics called doing what we campaigned on and actually keeping our promises to voters! I know this out-of-the-box thinking is unheard of, but it’s why Gen Z is moving more to the right by the day.’
The parallels between Kirk and Hollyhand are quite distinct. At 19 years old, Hollyhand has already established himself into national leadership and is at the forefront of the direction of the Republican Party. A freshman at Auburn University, Hollyhand is currently studying political science. But like Kirk, he may decide that college is not the avenue for him.
Hollyhand is charismatic, articulate, focused, and on mission. He already embodies the movement and may well capitalize on that established presence and platform. He could be the general TPUSA needs to move forward.
While Kirk’s tragic assassination is still fresh, it is heartening that the murder suspect, Tyler Robinson, is now in custody. Justice can be served for Kirk’s family and the Americans and others who loved him and honored his powerful contribution to our country, and his investment in the next generation.
Much will unfold in the coming days and months, not only surrounding the prosecution of the alleged killer, but the future direction of the TPUSA movement. But make no mistake: Hollyhand, and young men and women like him, will be on the cusp of whatever the future holds. That is a tremendous comfort and bodes excitement for the future of our country.
Jennifer Oliver O'Connell, As the Girl Turns, is an investigative journalist, author, opinion analyst, and contributor to 1819 News, Redstate, and other publications. Jennifer writes on Politics and Pop Culture, with occasional detours into Reinvention, Yoga, and Food. You can read more about Jennifer's world at her As the Girl Turns website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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