young futurists
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Toluwanimi Obiwole
Toluwanimi Obiwole lets her poetry show her strength. Toluwanimi was selected as Denver’s first youth poet laureate in 2015. “The poets teaching me how to be even braver in my writing are Warsan Shire, Nayyirah Waheed and Suzi Q. Smith,” she told The Root. “They’re all unafraid to be vulnerable in their writing, yet never…
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Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna
Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna is dedicated to making sure the world’s infrastructure is solid as a rock. Seriously. Augusta has spent the last several years researching cement and how to make it sustainable. The Harvard College freshman told The Root that her “first love” and “first passion” is cement. CATEGORY: Science and TechAGE: 18HOMETOWN: Elmont, N.Y.EDUCATION: Harvard…
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Alanna Wall
Alanna Wall is determined to add a little polish and sparkle to the lives of hospitalized children and girls with special needs. Alanna founded Polished Girlz when she was just 10 years old after being turned down for several volunteer organizations because she was too young. Inspired by her love of drawing and cool nail…
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Calling All Young Leaders: Nominate a Young Person for The Root Young Futurists 2017
If you know some young black superstars in your community, help us by nominating them for our annual The Root Young Futurists! We want to choose the best of the best for our 2017 list. Our new list will be revealed in February, and we are now accepting nominations. In order to qualify for consideration,…
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The Root’s Young Futurists, Where Are They Now: Arielle De Souza
Arielle De Souza is impassioned by the ocean. The 23-year-old fell in love with marine life at the New York Aquarium, but with family from Trinidad and Tobago, she also attributes this passion to her family’s frequent trips to the beach. Her “oneness” with the sea spilled into her academic interests. In May 2016, De Souza received…
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The Root’s Young Futurists, Where Are They Now: Jordan Williams
Some might say that Jordan Williams is a natural-born entrepreneur. The Atlanta native started his first business at 10 years of age with Kids Toys Inc. Years later, the resourceful teen and his friend Brandon Iverson founded a clothing line, Young Moguls Brand. The 2015 Young Futurist has since gone on to be selected for…
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The Root’s Young Futurists, Where Are They Now: Simone Biles
Simone Biles is a shining star. Her light shines brightly on and off the gymnastics floor. The 19-year-old has amassed many accolades, including 10 world championships—and most notably, Biles won four gold medals in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. If that’s not enough, the champion gymnast has a forthcoming autobiography to be…
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LaCrai Mitchell Is NABJ 2016 Student Journalist of the Year
The National Association of Black Journalists announced Friday that 22-year-old LaCrai Mitchell has been selected as its 2016 Student Journalist of the Year. “LaCrai Mitchell is someone whose résumé speaks for itself,” NABJ President Sarah Glover said. “She has worked hard to gain internships and fellowships that have prepared her for the professional world. She serves…