Africa is home to the world’s most inspiring leaders, activists, scholars, and artists who continue to impact the global stage. These individuals shape conversations, policies, and movements across human rights, politics, academia, social entrepreneurship, and entertainment. Here, we explore five African trailblazers whose influence in 2024 reaches far beyond their countries’ borders.
Education has always remained a catalyst for growth and development for any nation or people. Whether it be to achieve upward social mobility, break the cycle of poverty, secure quality jobs that impact the standard of living, and generally improve the quality of life.
Dr. Marsha Brown Woodard’s life has been dedicated to service, education, and leadership. As the president of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and vicinity, Dr. Woodard is the first woman to hold this position. She also uses her platform to shape the future of faith leadership.
Jeannine A. Cook said she honestly doesn’t know how she went from selling books as a second stream of income to buying her building for $700,000 in less than five years. She did attribute some of it to her curiosity, though, calling it a “gift.”
Yero’s path to the United States was fraught with risk. With just a backpack, he traveled through Turkey, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Mexico, often walking long stretches before reaching the U.S. border in Arizona.
By amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs, artists, and advocates, FunTimes highlights how the Diaspora continues to influence key sectors like technology, media, and healthcare.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the ties among Africa, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora are now more critical. Strengthening these connections offers significant growth opportunities for business, culture, and education.
Feature on Dr. Nikia Owens, PhD, President and CEO of Campaign for Working Families
Dr. Nikia Owens has been a tireless impassioned leader of Campaign for Working Families (CWF) since she was appointed President & CEO of the nonprofit three years ago. Many people have taken notice. One of them is City & State, a premier multimedia news organization dedicated to covering New York’s and Pennsylvania’s local and state politics and policy.
Her style of music was unique and defies categories. Most importantly, she was a voice of national unity, calling for tolerance and justice through her music and her films.
