Ever since 1917, Columbia University has given out the Pulitzer Prize to individuals who accomplish monumental achievements in newspaper, magazine and online journalism, literature, and musical composition. A symbol of endurance and achievement, the Pulitzer Prize remains one of the most sought-after awards for writers. Recently, the Pulitzer Prize made history by inducting Kendrick Lamar and his song lyrics into their hall of fame. Constantly evolving, the Pulitzer Prize is now awarding the people who live in the shadows: the people who do an incredible amount for others who are suffering while never receiving official attention for their kind acts. This new tradition has earned the name “The People’s Pulitzer.” This new unofficial award not only recognizes achievement in literary accomplishments, like the original, but also highlights achievements in science, social justice, and math.

Recently, a young boy blew up on the internet for yodeling in a Texas Walmart, gaining millions of followers and recognition across the globe. So then why does the young girl who invented a miracle product to aid the clean water crisis in Flint, Michigan receive no recognition for her stroke of genius?

When the drinking water in Flint, Michigan, became contaminated with lead, causing a major public health crisis, 11-year-old Gitanjali Rao took notice. “I had been following the Flint, Michigan, issue for about two years,” the seventh-grader told ABC News. “I was appalled by the number of people affected by lead contamination in water.” Gitanjali then set about devising a more efficient solution: a device that could identify lead compounds in water and was portable and relatively inexpensive. With this genius invention, Gitanjali might have helped solve the crisis that is still going on in Flint. But besides a few articles, Gitanjali has received little of the credit she deserves by the mainstream media.

Another recipient of this award is Emma González and the fellow students who have been leading the protest against gun violence since the fatal shooting of Stoneman Douglas High school in Parkland, Florida. González has not only solely protested for gun rights but now has used her platform to help bring justice to the Waffle House shooter. James Shaw Jr., the man who wrestled a semi-automatic rifle away from the gunman who shot up a Tennessee diner, met over the weekend with several of the student activists from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. “Meeting the young adults of the Parkland incident so much fire and inspiration in their eyes was a great joy,” Shaw posted on Twitter with a group photo.

Meeting the young adults of the Parkland incident so much fire and inspiration in their eyes was a great joy pic.twitter.com/DLPJ01K8e2

— James Shaw Jr. (@JamesShawJr9) May 12, 2018

This is where “The People’s Pulitzer” comes into play. The award provides an equal chance for minorities and majorities alike to earn the same prestigious title. These two women, who vary in every single detail, have one thing in common; they both have earned the right to say that they are the first recipients of an award fit for the modern times.