November 3rd 2023.
This Sunday, Dec. 10, marks the return of the Peabody- and Emmy-winning show CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute. The special focuses on extraordinary individuals from communities around the world who are making a difference. CNN This Morning recently revealed this year's honorees, and the list of Black heroes is inspiring.
Yasmine Arrington, 30, is the founder of ScholarCHIPS - Children of Incarcerated Parents. Growing up with a parent in prison, she understands the struggles of the people she helps. The program assists 30 young people annually who have been affected by the carceral system in pursuing a higher education.
"Most of our scholars, when they apply to ScholarCHIPS, they say, 'This is the first time I’ve ever told anyone' that they have an incarcerated parent," Arrington told CNN Heroes. "So, ScholarCHIPS becomes a safe space where young people feel comfortable even divulging and sharing that information."
Osei Boateng, 28, is a native of Ghana where the average life expectancy is only 64 years old. After losing his mother and aunt to a treatable illness, he formed the OKB Hope Foundation - a mobile doctor's office that travels to the streets of Ghana providing free healthcare and mental health assistance. The initiative has improved the lives of over 1,000 people and Boateng continues to strive to expand its reach.
"Words cannot describe the feeling that you get providing care for someone who otherwise wouldn’t be alive if your mobile health van wasn’t there," he told CNN Heroes.
Alvin Irby is a former first grade teacher who is now impacting the lives of young boys in New York City. His nonprofit Barbershop Books installs miniature libraries in barbershops, encouraging young boys to fall in love with reading. The initiative is part of a larger mission to increase the number of positive Black male role models young boys are exposed to.
Shamayim Harris, also known as Mama Shu, is a Detroit resident whose grief for her two lost sons has propelled her to make a difference in her community. She purchased multiple lots on Avalon Street and, with the help of volunteers and donations, she was able to transform it into Avalon Village. The eco-village is a safe space for the people of Detroit, offering a library, music studio, basketball court, and more.
Dr. Kwane Stewart is the founder of Project Street Vet, a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare for pets of homeless people. He started the mission after a meaningful encounter with a homeless man whose dog had a skin condition. Stewart's love for animals and helping people created a network across the country, with different volunteers, technicians, and clinics aiding in his mission.
Each Top 10 CNN Hero will be awarded $10,000 and the CNN Hero of the Year will receive an additional $100,000 to continue their commendable work. The dedication of these Black heroes to make a difference in the world is commendable and inspiring.
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