Extraordinary times require extraordinary people. These 10 rose to the challenge.

Everyday heroes are in every single place and they honestly make the world a greater place.

No mission is simply too small for these heroes. This includes converting a van right into a mobile health clinic offering free routine check-ups in rural communities in Ghana; developing a “dream incubator” to strengthen Black women-owned businesses in the nation’s capital; and directly fighting Florida’s restrictions on teaching black history in schools by simply visiting historic sites.

The annual award shines a light-weight on leaders who positively impact our communities, culture and world.

Osei Boateng, founding father of the OKB Hope Foundation

By his OKB FoundationOsei Boateng provides medical services and health education to Ghana’s most distant and rural communities. His medical team traveled weekly in a van converted right into a health clinic, offering free routine check-ups.

Rhiannon Carnes, co-founder and executive director of the Ohio Women’s Alliance

Founder Rhiannon Carnes Ohio Women’s Alliance, the only Black-led organization in the statewide coalition that led the campaign and eventual passage of a constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights. The effort made Ohio the seventh state in the nation to approve such an amendment.

Marvin Dunn, founder and president of the Miami Center for Racial Justice

Marvin Dunn, historian and activist, led the fight against Florida’s Stop WOKE Act along with his initiative Teach the Truth Tours. and “Don’t Teach Lies” marches. Dunn, who plans to construct a “peace house” on the site in memory of the Rosewood massacre, has been verbally and physically attacked for his activism.

Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action

As first Executive Director of Moms Demand Action, Angela Ferrell-Zabala leads certainly one of the nation’s largest gun safety organizations. She took power amid a surge in gun violence in the US. As such, Ferrell-Zabala has since focused on expanding MDA’s mission and efforts. This includes holding gun manufacturers accountable for gun safety, supporting programs and initiatives in communities most impacted by gun violence, and constructing the next generation of leaders.

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Angel Gregorio, entrepreneur and activist, Black + Forth

Angel Gregorio has modified 7,500 square foot plot of land right into a business oasis providing inexpensive retail space in DC to Black businesses, specifically to empower Black women entrepreneurs. It also hosts a farmers market twice a month, which starts in April.

Jacqueline Hubbard, president of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History – St. Petersburg Chapter

Jacqueline Hubbard i ASALH branch in St. Petersburg took a page from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) playbook and ran it again (*10*)Freedom Schools in response to Florida’s recent standards for the way to address Black history in schools under the Stop WOKE Act.

Chris “CJ” Matthews, founder and global kid’s activist, Blankies 4 My Friends

At the age of 5, Chris “CJ” Matthews began his profession his non-profit organization Blankies 4 My Friends, which provided 1000’s of warm blankets, socks, books and other items to sick and displaced children across the country.

Kwane Stewart, co-founder and CEO of Project Street Vet

Since 2011, Kwane Stewart has been walking the streets of San Diego, offering medical care to the animals of individuals experiencing homelessness. By his nonprofit Project Street Vet launched in 2020, has expanded its mission to offer support in Los Angeles, Bay Area, Atlanta, Orlando and New York

Mychał Threets, librarian

WITH his viral TikTok videos and Instagram videosMychal Threets has develop into a social media sensation promoting local libraries and the love of reading. Hailed as “a modern-day Mr. Rogers meets LeVar Burton,” Threets is currently the resident librarian at PBS and a literacy ambassador for the Children’s Literacy Initiative.

Jabee Williams, executive director of LiveFree OKC

Jabee Williams premiere Live free OKC, the city’s first initiative dedicated to constructing peace and reducing gun violence. Social activism is nothing recent for Williams, who organizes food and toy drives for his northeastern community.