In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, Attorney General of New York Letitia James, the 67th attorney general for the state of New York, and the first woman of color to hold public office, addressed 11th grade students after a brief introduction by Alyson Spindell, Maya’s mom.

The attorney general stressed the significance for all of us—not just Jewish people—to recognize and understand the terrors and horrors of the Holocaust so that it never happens again. She discussed the importance for world leaders to recognize the critical lessons of the Holocaust, to commemorate the victims and honor the survivors.

“You will be in charge of the world very soon,” she said to the students, “and what we need now more than ever is for all of you to recognize the problems that we are seeing, not only in the United States but all across the globe. If anyone is going to address these issues, it’s going to fall on your shoulders. You have the power and the authority right now to make a difference in the world.”

Afterward, James explained the role of the office of the Attorney General, and engaged students in some light debate about pertinent issues that she has to deal with on a daily basis. She concluded by expressing her wish to be invited back again to speak on other issues and create a stronger connection between elected officials and the students.