The Black Philanthropists That Made the Top 10 CNN Heroes This Year

CNN has an annual celebration of heroes that make life better for their communities around the world. This year, three black philanthropists made it on the top 10 CNN Heroes. These amazing givers range from a cop in Chicago to a former school teacher in Cape Town, South Africa. But what they all have in common is the drive to give what they can to make the world a better place, no matter the size and scope of their giving.

Here are the black philanthropists that made the top 10 list.

Jennifer Maddox- This cop from Chicago is not all about fighting crime. She is also about doing the ground work with future generations to prevent crime from happening. Having grown in Chicago’s South Side, Officer Maddox has seen the neighborhood go through changes over the years. Her organization, Future Ties, provides after school program for over 100 kids in grades K-5. It is a safe space for these kids to learn, socialize, and just be kids!

Rosie Mashale– Rosie is a former school teacher from Cape Town, South Africa. She not only ran a free daycare from her home for 10 years, but she also took it upon her self to provide care for more than 5,000 orphans! Many of these orphans have lost their parents to AIDS and some even need care themselves due to illness. Lean more about this amazing organization here.

Khali Sweeney– Khali faced some difficult times after “falling in with the wrong crowd as a kid”. In order to help kids from falling into the same trap, he established the Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program, a Detroit gym that provides training and academic tutoring.  More than 260 students have graduated from the program and about 100 students attend it every week. And 98% of those who graduated the program have gone on to college!

These incredible givers are a prime example of black excellence. CNN will be airing the 11th annual “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” on Sunday, December 17th at 8 p.m. ET.