WE Day empowerment program brings 15,000 youths to Allstate Arena

Allstate Arena in Rosemont was packed with 15,000 young Illinois change-makers Wednesday, who earned tickets WE Day by taking action in their local and global communities.

"I truly believe that youth can do anything they put their minds to. The thousands of passionate young people at WE Day are proof that no one is too young or too small to make a difference," said actress and global youth advocate Monique Coleman.

Speakers and performers included Shay Mitchell, Buzz Aldrin, Andra Day, Xzibit, Arne Duncan, Jordan Smith, Rhymefest, LaRoyce Hawkins, Monique Coleman, Dante Brown, Stedman Graham, Bailee Madison, Frank Waln, Grace VanderWaal, Celebrity Marauders and Spencer West. Youth from across Illinois shared empowering stories.

"Every year, more than 200,000 students, from over 10,000 schools around the globe earn their ticket to WE Day through the yearlong WE Schools program, creating positive impacts at their schools in their communities," Craig Kielburger, co-founder of WE, said in a news release.