Op-Ed: Adam Pennings: Charlie Kirk's legacy is like no other

There will never be another Charlie Kirk. Run Gen Z's Adam Pennings explains why.

There will never be another Charlie Kirk. Charlie’s impact and influence on an entire generation of young people cannot be overstated.

Charlie reached so many, and his death brings indescribable pain to all he touched. Whether you were a personal friend, an acquaintance, or a supporter from afar, I join you in the great comfort that he is now in the arms of his Lord and Savior.

Without Charlie, a lot of young people would never have been interested in politics. If not for Charlie, hundreds of young people would never have run for office. And because of Charlie, our conservative movement will forever be changed.

Charlie didn’t just start an organization; he sparked a national movement. Charlie encouraged lively debate. He championed free speech. He shared his faith proudly. He emboldened young people to be a part of the political process, and he inspired millions of Gen Zers to make a difference.

Those who followed Charlie saw a model of how to live: be strong in your faith, love your family, and honor your country.

Each of us must now continue Charlie’s legacy. In his memory, we must continue what he started. The movement that Charlie created was always meant to outlive him, but no one expected it to be this soon.

What Charlie created was bigger than one man, and it can never be stopped by a single bullet. It’s heartbreaking to lose him, but our movement has never been stronger. For all of us, don't give up hope. Don't stop fighting the good fight. Don't let Charlie die in vain.

When in the moments you think of giving up, when the odds may be against you, or when the fight seems too hard, simply think: “do it for Charlie.”

Adam Pennings is the executive director of Run Gen Z.