Let’s face it: it’s been a tough week in the news. From the ongoing turmoil in Ferguson, Missouri over the death of Michael Brown to the outrage in South Los Angeles over the shooting of Ezell Ford and everything in between, there seems to be no end.
Still, there’s been a refreshing wave of kids and young adults who’ve made recent headlines that temporarily took our minds off the heartbreak and put smiles on our faces. They’re making sports history, owning businesses, using technology to better communities and being amazingly awesome.
Here are just a few of the young folks on our radar.
JACKIE ROBINSON WEST ALL-STARS
These baseball all-stars have become the first all-Black team from Chicago to reach the Little League World Series in three decades. Founded by the late Joseph Haley, this team of 13 talented athletes is well on its way to becoming world champions in a sport that’s seen a steady decline in Black participation. On Sunday, the boys will head to Williamsport, Pennsylvania to compete against the Mountain Ridge Little League from Las Vegas, Nevada. Full story
Photo courtesy of Gene J. Puskar
MO’NE DAVIS, 13
This girl’s got some serious heat. Mo’Ne led her Philadelphia Little League team to its first World Series after pitching her second complete shutout in a row (the first qualified her team for the series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania). She’s the first girl to throw a shutout in the Little League World Series. This all-star is throwing out fastballs at 70 miles per hour, making the boys– and the world– take notice. Full story
Photo courtesy of Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo
CALEB CHRISTIAN, 14; IMA CHRISTIAN, 16; ASHA CHRISTIAN, 15
In light of recent events (see: Eric Garner, Denise Stewart, Michael Brown, etc.), these siblings are using technology to cut down on police abuse and keep citizens safe. Their new app titled “Five-O” will enable users to document any incident of police abuse and rate the specific officer. The information will then be brought to community activists, the media and other forms of law enforcement. Full story
Photo courtesy of Facebook
CORY NIEVES, 9
This pint-size entrepreneur is not only serving up a mean cookie, but he’s doing so in a stylish way. He’s the CEO of his very own cookie company called “Mr. Cory’s Cookies.” He’s known for his all-natural treats that include the “perfect” chocolate chip cookie and sugar-free oatmeal raisin cookies. He’s also gaining traction on social media as a fashion-forward business kid with an enviable closet. Full story
CHASE REED, 16
Chase has turned his passion for kicks into Harlem’s Sneaker Pawn, the world’s first sneaker pawn shop. The idea came about after the teen repeatedly asked to borrow money from his dad for limited edition sneakers. Customers looking to pawn their shoes can come in for a price estimate and negotiate a deal. The teen only deals with “high-end” kicks that are in great condition and are hard to find. In the future, Chase hopes to expand his business overseas. Full story
Photo courtesy of Taryn Finley/The Root