The Root unveiled their 2018 Young Futurist List, honoring 25 of the brightest young African Americans aged 15 to 22. The honorees represent a variety of fields that includes aspiring young entrepreneurs, activists and those pursuing social justice, corporate innovators, green enthusiasts, pursuers of arts and culture, scientists and technologists.
Serving as a publication dedicated to the news and culture of African Americans, the Root uses commentary and debate to examine relevant cultural and political issues in America. The annual Young Futurist List now entering its seventh year continues to be a source of optimism and pride for African Americans across the U.S.
Among those honored this year is aspiring entrepreneur Journi Prewitt, creator of the Black Butterfly Box at 17 years old. Offering a monthly subscription service, the Box promotes self-confidence in young African American girls while promoting reading and learning about black history. Also honored is 15 year old Essynce Moore, the entrepreneur behind a New Jersey-based spa, an online boutique, and three published books.
The 2018 List also includes:
- George Hofstetter, 17, creator of mobile app CopStop, allowing user to record interactions with law enforcement.
- Victor Madu, 21, creator of the “For the Leaux” clothing line that combined high fashion with affordable pricing.
- Zandra Cunningham, 17, creator of Zandra Beauty, valued at $500,000 and selling more than 40 products.
- Ashanti Martinez, 21, running for a seat in Maryland’s House of Delegates for education reform and standing up for marginalized communities.
- Ose Arheghan, 17, lobbying for inclusion of LGBTQ youth in sexual education in Ohio and Washington.
- Storm Reid, 15, starred as Meg Murray in Ava DuVernay’s “A Wrinkle in Time”.
- Maame Biney, 18, the first black woman to qualify for a U.S. Olympic speed skating team.
- Reece Whitley, 18, swimmer
- Matthew Whitaker, 16, pianist
- Taylor Richardson, 15 by July, aspiring astronaut and fundraiser
- La’Taijah Powell, 21, nutrition activist
- Juliet Lubwama, 17, poet
- Myles Loftin, 19, activist and photographer
- Eva Lewis, 19, social justice activist
- Quil Lemons, 20, photographer and activist
- Chanice Lee, 15, author and social justice activist
- Tamera Jacobs, 20, environmental activist
- Tamir D. Harper, 19, education advocate
- Victoria Barret, 18, environmental activist
- Keila Banks, 16, coding advocate
- Seun Babalola, 20, social justice activist
- Thessalonika Arzu-Embry, 19, aspiring aviation psychologist and author
- Sasha Ariel Alston, 20, STEM advocate and author
