"We will not cower. We will not be silenced.
More than ever, we have to Make America Talk Again - and that starts at colleges!," wrote 19-year-old Brilyn Hollyhand, hailed as heir apparent to the slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as he announced his programme schedule to speak across 10 campuses in the US. "Join us, for Charlie," he exhorted the students.
Hollyhand considers Kirk as a personal friend and mentor. An Auburn University freshman, the youngster is the chairman of the Republican National Committee's (RNC) Youth Advisory Council.
Hollyhand, who hosts 'The Brilyn Hollyhand Show', is one of the most followed conservative youth influencers in the US with half a million followers across social media.
He grew up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and launched his political commentary career at the tender age of 11. He also began The Truth Gazette, as an email newsletter in 2017, which gradually evolved into a website and podcast. Besides, founded the Gen Z newsletter 'What's Up America?'
Authored the bestseller 'One Generation Away: Why Now Is the Time to Restore American Freedom' in 2024. The book is based on his interviews with prominent conservative leaders.
Over the years, Hollyhand has become a leading voice for Gen Z conservatives. Following the assassination of Kirk, he said he can never replace the conservative leader, but will “do what the Lord has given me the opportunity to do.”
“Charlie has very huge shoes to fill. Not just because he was a man with a large shoe size but because, like, legitimately, nobody can replace him,” Hollyhand was quoted as saying earlier.
"If I can do half of the work that Charlie Kirk did in his time on this earth, then I’ll count that as a success," he had said.
According to media reports, Hollyhand was texting with Kirk just hours before he was killed by Tyler Robinson.
“We were speaking that morning because he had just seen me on Fox and he texted to turn around and be like, ‘Hey, man, you did such a great job this morning, so proud of you’” Hollyhand was quoted as saying.