Coco Gauff at the 2023 U.S. Open (Photo: Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Cori Dionne “Coco” Gauff
Tennis Player
AGE: 20
Cori Dionne “Coco” Gauff is a tennis sensation whose meteoric stardom inspires the world. Rising to prominence as a teenage phenom, Gauff won the 2023 U.S. Open at 19, becoming the youngest American player to secure the title since Serena Williams.
Known for her powerful serve, fierce determination, and poised demeanor on the court, the 20-year-old tennis star has raked in numerous titles, records, and awards since bursting onto the scene. In her debut season, Gauff became the youngest player ranked in the Women’s Tennis Association Top 100. The Florida native also made headlines and sparked “Cocomania” after receiving a wild card entry to Wimbledon in 2019 and defeating five-time tournament champion Venus Williams in the first round. That year, Gauff reached the third round of the U.S. Open and won her first singles title.
As the No. 5-ranked player in the world and the top American, Gauff was selected as a flag bearer for the opening ceremony at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris alongside NBA superstar LeBron James.
Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Frontline Action Hub
Breonna Taylor Investigation Leads To Police Reform Agreement In Louisville
Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, told the AP that she wanted the city to follow through on its promises this time
The United States Justice Department and the City of Louisville reached an agreement to create reforms for the city’s police department after an investigation into the shooting of Breonna Taylor and the treatment of protestors by the police on Dec. 12, per city officials.
According to The Associated Press, a federal investigation determined that the Louisville police department engaged in a pattern of violating the constitutional rights of and discriminating against Louisville’s Black community.
Louisville’s mayor, Craig Greenburg, indicated that the consent degree “builds upon and accelerates the transformational reform of community policing” and also noted that “significant improvements” have been implemented since Taylor’s death in 2020, including banning the practice of “no-knock” warrants, which led to the death of Taylor.
However, Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, told the AP that she wanted the city to follow through on its promises.
“We have a history of putting things on paper and not moving the needle, so we have to stay on top of the situation and definitely make sure they are doing what they say they are doing,” Palmer said.
Paul Humphrey, the city’s latest police chief seemed a little testy, remarking on Dec. 12 that the Justice Department is “not making decisions for the city of Louisville,” but still applauded the agreement with the feds.
“I believe that having an independent monitor gives us an opportunity to have the excellence of our work confirmed for the community,” Humphrey said. “This has to be more than just words on a page. It is a promise to our officers and our professional staff that we are going to lead them and support them the right way,” Humphrey said.
According to a March 2023 Justice Department report, the Louisville Police Department was found to be discriminatory against Black people in “enforcement activities,” and used excessive force, conducted searches based on invalid warrants, and violated the rights of people who protested the killing of Taylor.
Assistant Attorney General Kirsten Clarke, the leader of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, said that the consent decree represents an opportunity to create new opportunities for the department to serve the citizens of Louisville better.
“This conduct harmed community members and undermined public trust in law enforcement that is essential for public safety. This consent decree marks a new day for Louisville.”
Clarke continued, “In the wake of Breonna Taylor’s tragic killing, the people of Louisville fiercely advocated for racial justice, policing reform and accountability. City residents demanded that they receive the constitutional policing that they rightly deserve. Through this consent decree, Louisville and its police department have committed to addressing the violations of the Constitution and federal law we found during our investigation and to making Louisville a place where the police respect everyone’s rights.”
“Nearly five years after Breonna Taylor was shot and killed in her own home in the middle of the night by Louisville Metro Police Department officers, the Justice Department has secured an agreement to enact significant, systemic reforms to policing in Louisville,” Garland said in the press release.
He continued, “This agreement addresses the serious violations of federal law that we uncovered during our pattern or practice investigation and puts the city of Louisville and its police department on a path to lasting reform. We are committed to honoring Breonna Taylor through our work to implement the agreement and to make Louisville a better and safer place for all of its residents.”
ABC News Will Pay $15 Million To Settle Trump Defamation Suit
The settlement stemmed from comments made by George Stephanopoulos about Trump.
ABC News agreed to pay $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by President-elect Donald Trump’s presidential library on Dec. 14. The settlement stemmed from comments George Stephanopoulos made on a March 10 episode of This Week that Trump had been found civilly liable of the rape of writer E. Jean Carroll. Instead, Trump was found civilly liable for sexual abuse and defamation, not rape.
According to The Associated Press, the settlement also required ABC News to post an editor’s note expressing the network’s regret over the statements of Stephanopoulos during the episode in question.
The $15 million will be donated as a “charitable contribution” to the yet-to-be-built Trump presidential library, and has been earmarked for a non-profit organization that is being set up in connection with the library.
The news organization will also pay over $1 million in legal fees to the law firm of Trump’s lawyer, Alejandro Brito.
However, the settlement has received backlash on social media, as many have pointed out that, in substance, Stephanopoulos’ comments are not much different from what U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan wrote in his ruling.
ABC pays $15M to Trump for saying exactly what the judge in the E. Jean Carroll case said! Stunning capitulation! pic.twitter.com/PZFtNUjowc
For all the rape apologists in my mentions, this is why ABC should never have thrown Stephanopoulos under the bus and settled: George was right. Judge says E. Jean Carroll allegation Trump raped her is ‘substantially true’ in court dismissal. https://t.co/9INlNMO6bM
Judge Kaplan wrote in his ruling that although the jury determined that Trump did not violate New York’s very narrow, very strict legal definition of rape, that did not mean that Trump did not, in actuality, rape Carroll.
According to Kaplan, the verdict did not mean Caroll’s lawyers “failed to prove that Mr. Trump ‘raped’ her as many people commonly understand the word ‘rape.’ Indeed…the jury found that Mr. Trump in fact did exactly that.”
According to The New York Times, the settlement by ABC News is likely to embolden Trump or his sycophants to file defamation suits against news outlets who run critical or “aggressive” coverage of them.
The outlet noted that it is typically difficult for public figures like Trump to win defamation lawsuits against media organizations because plaintiffs must be able to prove an outlet knew a statement was false, or acted with a reckless disregard for accuracy in their reporting.
Elizabeth McNamara, a prominent media attorney who represented ABC News and Stephanopoulos, but spoke in her independent capacity, told the outlet that she expects the trend to continue.
“There’s been a pattern and practice for the past couple of years of using defamation litigation as a tactic to harass or test the boundary of case law,” McNamara said.
Quentin Jackson, Former Harlem Globetrotter, Sentenced To 7 Years In Prison For PPP Loan Fraud
Nearly $4 million in fraudulent PPP funds were awarded to Jackson or individuals he recruited.
Quentin Jackson, a 58-year-old former NC State basketball player and Harlem Globetrotter, was sentenced to a seven-year prison sentence on Dec. 13 after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with obtaining fraudulent proceeds from the pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Act (PPP).
According to ABC 11, Jackson had been implicated by the Department of Justice in a scheme principally carried out by Jackson, Edward Whitaker, and Lamont Taylor to obtain fraudulent PPP loans.
According to Special Agent in Charge Donald Eakins of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation in the Charlotte Field Office, “Schemes to fraudulently obtain federal funds meant to provide assistance to small businesses is unacceptable.”
Eakins added, “The defendant took advantage of critical aid programs intended to provide relief for businesses affected during the pandemic by fraudulently applying for and obtaining COVID-19 program funds. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue to pursue individuals who try to exploit federal relief programs for their personal gain.”
Per the Justice Department’s press release, Jackson worked with others to get fraudulent PPP loans for others in the names of companies which were under Jackson’s control.
Once the monies were obtained, Jackson then cooked the books so it looked like he was making payments to employees, but in reality, he told his “employees” to cash the checks and bring the money back to him.
According to the Justice Department, Jackson also set up a racket for himself where he earned a fee for each fraudulent borrower he recruited to the scheme, eventually recruiting over a dozen individuals to the scheme.
Nearly $4 million in fraudulent PPP funds were awarded to Jackson or individuals he recruited.
U.S Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Michael F. Easley, said in a statement that Jackson’s foul needed appropriate consequences.
“We in the Carolinas idolize our basketball stars, especially the ACC greats who played on Tobacco Road,” Easley said. “As a college point guard and Harlem Globetrotter, Jackson’s crossover was deadly. But he drew a foul when he used his talents and reputation to recruit people into a multi-million-dollar fraud on our nation’s pandemic relief program. This seven-year prison sentence should stand as a warning to anyone who took advantage of our nation’s generosity in a time of need. We are patient, persistent, and willing to use every second on the shot clock.”
Travis Hunter Wins Heisman, Capping One-Of-A-Kind Season
Hunter became the first true two-way player to win the Heisman since Syracuse's Ernie Davis in 1961, a capstone on a remarkable season
Travis Hunter’s season was so unique that in addition to the Heisman, which he was awarded on Dec. 14, he won awards for college football’s best wide receiver and its best defensive player.
According to The Athletic, Hunter became the first true two-way player to win the Heisman since Syracuse’s Ernie Davis in 1961, a capstone on a remarkable season that saw him become the first player in NCAA history to post 92 receptions for 1,152 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions in a single season.
Although most will compare Hunter to Charles Woodson, as he was the last non-offensive player to win the award, even Woodson doesn’t quite believe that’s a fair comparison for what Hunter has done, as he told The Athletic.
“They sprinkled me out there (on offense) when they needed a play. I didn’t do a whole lot of offense,” Woodson said. “Travis actually plays both sides of the ball. You can say he’s a two-way player that played defense, but I’m still the only defensive player to win it.”
Hunter has been supported in his desire to play both sides of the ball by his head coach, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders since the two were at Jackson State together, and as it did at that level, it produced tremendous results at the Power 5 level.
In November, Sanders made his position on Hunter clear, “Travis gets my vote. Travis is the best player in college football. Truly Shedeur is that guy. He’s the catalyst, he makes everything go and enables Travis to be Travis, but Travis Hunter is doing something we’ve never seen before.”
On Dec. 14, the Heisman voters agreed, and in a race that ended in the closest finish since 2009, Hunter’s spectacular season was enough for him to overcome numbers not seen from a running back since Barry Sanders’ incredible 1988 season.
Now, Hunter will head to the next level after Colorado plays in the Alamo Bowl against BYU, and he is expected to be one of the first names off the board in April, alongside his quarterback and Coach Prime’s son, Shedeur Sanders.
Scouts project that Hunter will likely have to choose a position in the NFL due to the jump in competition level. The most likely outcome, according to The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler, is that Hunter plays cornerback and has some packages where he is deployed as a wide receiver.
He is, however, seen as as near a lock to go top-five as there is, largely due to his instinctive ability to create big plays and a complete lack of character concerns off the field.
“I want to say something to my father. He’s not here and wasn’t able to make it but I know you’re watching on TV,” Hunter said. “Dad, I love you. For all the stuff you went through man…Now look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man.”
Hunter continued, his voice cracking with emotion.
“All the times that you didn’t get to see me, or the times you did come to see my games. From not seeing probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and coming to see me. That means so much to me. I know you wanted to be here and you can’t, but trust me, I got you. I’m bringing the trophy home. I love you.”
Jerelyn Rodriguez Williams is a visionary entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of The Knowledge House, an organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities through technology education. With a mission to bridge the digital divide, Williams has made it her life’s work to provide young people of color with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in the tech industry.
Under her leadership, The Knowledge House has become a cornerstone of workforce development, offering software engineering, data science, and more training programs. By focusing on accessibility and inclusion, Williams is helping create a more equitable tech ecosystem where diversity is encouraged and essential for innovation.
Williams’ impact extends beyond The Knowledge House. She continues to advocate for racial equity in tech, speaking at events and collaborating with organizations that share her vision. Her leadership is a testament to the power of education and mentorship in transforming lives. The tech master is not just shaping the future of tech—she’s ensuring it’s built for everyone.
Award-Winning Journalist, Host, Author, and Investor
AGE: 37
Sherrell Dorsey is an award-winning journalist, author, and entrepreneur whose passion for storytelling, social impact, and climate technology is shaping the future of innovation.
As the founder and CEO of Build The Good, Dorsey is dedicated to bridging the gap between technology and equity, creating opportunities for underrepresented communities to thrive in the tech space. Her work as a climate tech investor further underscores her commitment to advancing sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
Dorsey’s impressive career spans multiple industries, including media, technology, and investment, where she has consistently championed diversity, inclusion, and environmental responsibility. As a thought leader, she has been featured in leading publications and speaks frequently on the importance of creating pathways for Black entrepreneurs and innovators in climate tech.
Through Build The Good, Dorsey continues to amplify the voices of those traditionally excluded from the tech revolution. Her work demonstrates that the intersection of social justice and technology is a powerful force for change.
Dorsey’s leadership inspires a new generation of changemakers committed to building a more equitable and sustainable future.
Heman Bekele is a 15-year-old scientist and innovator transforming the landscape of healthcare innovation. He has made significant strides in medical and social impact innovation, earning him recognition as America’s Top Young Scientist in 2023 and TIME Magazine’s Kid of the Year in 2024.
Bekele developed a low-cost skin cancer treatment soap to improve affordable and accessible healthcare in underserved communities. Last year, he was the grand prize winner of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his pioneering cancer treatment solution. His groundbreaking research focuses on affordability and accessibility, addressing disparities in global healthcare, and offering hope to underserved communities.
Bekele’s ingenuity and determination reflect his vision to bridge the gap between science and social impact. By developing practical, life-saving technologies, he is solving today’s problems and inspiring a new generation to think beyond limitations. His accomplishments underscore the importance of representation in STEM and the vast potential of young minds to influence industries.
Tiffani J. Martin is a trailblazer in social tech entrepreneurship. She merges innovation with inclusivity to revolutionize how technology serves diverse communities.
As the founder of VisioTech, Martin has dedicated her career to making technology accessible to all, creating tools and platforms that prioritize inclusivity. Her groundbreaking innovation, the Accessible AI Quotient (AAIQ), is reshaping the AI landscape by providing frameworks that ensure artificial intelligence is equitable and usable for people of all abilities.
An accomplished author and accessibility specialist, Martin is a passionate advocate for leveling the playing field in tech. Her work has empowered businesses to adopt more inclusive practices while inspiring leaders to recognize the untapped potential of accessibility in driving innovation.
Martin’s influence extends beyond her professional endeavors. She’s a changemaker who educates others on how accessibility fuels creativity and growth. As a thought leader, she is committed to creating pathways for underrepresented voices in technology, showing that inclusivity is not just an ideal—it’s a business imperative.
Through her leadership at VisioTech and pioneering work with AAIQ, Martin is redefining what it means to be a social tech entrepreneur, proving that accessible innovation can transform industries and lives.
Justin E. Samuels is a visionary entrepreneur and trailblazing software engineer shaping the future of technology.
Samuels has transformed Atlanta into a beacon for Black tech excellence as the creative force behind RenderATL, the nation’s premier tech conference celebrating culture and diversity. Since its launch in 2019, RenderATL has evolved from a 300-person conference into a major industry event that attracts over 5,000 attendees. Samuels has not only expanded the conference’s reach but also significantly impacted the STEM community by facilitating hundreds of career placements. His efforts have generated over $5 million in economic benefits for the Atlanta region, showcasing his exceptional capacity to drive growth and innovation.
Samuels’ work also extends to Atlanta Tech Week, which he created to empower rising talent and cultivate an ecosystem of opportunity for underrepresented voices in technology.
As a senior engineer at Intuit Mailchimp, he plays a pivotal role in developing innovative software solutions that impact millions of users worldwide.
Beyond his technical contributions, he passionately advocates for diversity, fostering pathways for the next generation of Black engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
