The Future 25

  • Isaiah Cooper 
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    Isaiah Cooper 

    Isaiah Cooper is already aiming to fly to higher heights. In 2016, at 16 years old, he made headlines when he became one of the youngest black pilots to fly around the United States. The next mission? To make the Guinness World Records and become the youngest person to take a solo flight around the…

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  • Alanna Wall
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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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  • Jonathan Wynn-Strachan
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    Jonathan Wynn-Strachan

    Art saved Jonathan Wynn-Strachan’s life. In 2012, when he was a sophomore in high school, he and his family were living out of a one-bedroom motel room. He’d lost hope that his family’s situation would improve. But after hearing Nat King Cole’s “Smile” on the radio one day, Jonathan knew he had to stop focusing…

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    The Root’s Young Futurists Are Doing Big Things: Where Are They Now?

    For the past five years, The Root has recognized young talent across the nation. These “Young Futurists” make big strides and contributions to science, business, arts and culture, social justice, and the environment—all between the ages of 15 and 22. The honorees from our 2014 and 2015 classes have been very busy. Take a look…

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    Stars of Tomorrow: The Root’s 2016 Young Futurists

    Please join us in congratulating the 25 extraordinary young people who have been selected as the 2016 Young Futurists by The Root. It is our annual tradition to recognize and celebrate young African-American men and women, ages 15-22, who exemplify greatness. While we often look back at the ancestors who forged the paths we walk…

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