With 79 percent of Gen Zers – greater than some other generation – reporting feelings of loneliness, social isolation has grow to be a growing epidemic amongst young people. Studies suggest that these numbers have continued to climb following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Because the world opens back up, the necessity for social interaction and connection has never been more necessary. In an effort to tackle this demand, Eventbrite, the worldwide event management and ticketing platform, has announced a multi-year initiative called The Social Connection Project that’s transforming the way in which we interact at live events.

They’ve tapped actress and Genius Entertainment CEO Marsai Martin to curate a group of free Eventbrite events that showcase the ability of live experiences to drive meaningful connections. 

With Gen Z said to be the “loneliest generation in history,” Martin says this project is true on time.

“We have now been through a lot during [the pandemic]. The dearth of connection that we’ve been having can slowly feel such as you’re alone,” she tells ESSENCE. “I would like the events in my special Eventbrite collection to encourage people to get on the market, try something latest and make latest connections.”

Constructing connections and breaking down barriers has grow to be second nature to the 17-year-old girl wonder. As an actress, CEO, and the youngest Hollywood executive producer in history, meaningful connections have played a significant role in her success.

“On this industry, especially being a young Black girl, there’s quite a lot of things that now we have to do to interrupt boundaries, and that will be somewhat scary at times,” she admits. “But having a support system around really helps in keeping me uplifted through the ups and downs of my profession.” 

Maintaining close ties together with her support system is all about keeping her “circle tight” with the buddies she’s grown up with in addition to newfound industry companions. From her “big sis”  Kelly Rowland to Hollywood’s latest class of actresses like Storm Reid (Euphoria), Demi Singleton, and Saniyya Sydney (each of King Richard), Martin finds solace within the connections she’s built with those that have come before and are coming up alongside her. “I’m in a position to be there every time they need me. I’m at all times supporting them,” she shares. “Those are the true next leaders of our amazing, beautiful culture.”

And because the culture continues to evolve with latest voices, Martin leads a generation of visionaries who aim to go away the world of cinema and TV higher than they found it. Last 12 months, the NAACP Image Award winner shared in an interview her “No Black Pain” approach to the projects she pursues and works on.

“After I said that, it didn’t sound profound to me. I believe the proven fact that we see the dearth of Black trauma on TV or in entertainment as profound is sort of a red flag to me,” she says. “Should you take a look at award shows, that’s what gets the awards. We show our traumas and ourselves in a dark place, and that isn’t the one thing that we’re.” 

“As a creator, that’s not the one thing I would like to see. I just wish to spread joy. Like relatable, real content,” she adds. “After all, pain is part of the human emotional experience, but it surely is something that we don’t continually must normalize because it just being that.”

And speaking of pain, the agony of loneliness is all too real for a lot of young people. Martin is looking forward to the work she is doing with Eventbrite in helping people overcome it. All of it starts with somewhat vulnerability, even when it may well be scary.

“Life is all about going against your fears, finding our confidence, and attempting to work out where we’re in life,” Martin says. “And I’m not only talking to women on the market, I’m talking to myself as well. We have now to get out of our comfort zone. We have now to open up because that’s what makes us human.”