INTERNATIONAL BLACK HERITAGE MONTH
2024 CHANGEMAKER LIST
International Black Heritage Month (IBHM) proudly announces the Changemaker List 2024, highlighting innovative pioneers who disrupt the status quo in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and strive for a more just and inclusive world.
“It’s essential to spotlight a diverse array of individuals who have made or are making significant positive impacts and providing solutions in a world with numerous pressing issues. Moreover, sharing and educating others about those who embody the change they wish to see in the world is crucial, as it can inspire others to follow suit,” says Bruce Reynolds, founder of International Black Heritage Month (IBHM).
EQUITY CHANGEMAKERS:
Changemakers whose actions disrupted the status quo and addressed Equity:
Meghan Markle (Philanthropist, Advocate, and Duchess of Sussex)
Meghan Markle is a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for various causes, including gender equality, women’s empowerment, social justice, mental health, environmental conservation, and community relief programs. With Nigerian roots, through the Archewell Foundation, she and her husband, Prince Harry, have partnered with the NAACP to establish the ‘Digital Civil Rights Award.’
This award aims to support and uplift visionaries working to expand equity in the online world.
https://archewell.org/program/naacp-archewell-digital-civil-rights-award/
MacKenzie Scott (Philanthropist, Advocate, and Writer)
MacKenzie Scott is a philanthropist, advocate, author, and the ex-wife of Jeff Bezos. She’s promised to give away at least half of her wealth throughout her lifetime. With a focus on “equity-oriented” non-profits, So far via various channels, she’s given away over $2,739,000,000 to 286 high-impact organizations operating “in categories and communities that have been historically underfunded and overlooked.”
https://mackenzie-scott.medium.com/seeding-by-ceding-ea6de642bf
Frank Toskan (Businessman)
Frank Toskan is the co-founder of the global makeup brand MAC Cosmetics. Established in 1984 with the vision of creating makeup for all races, genders, and ages. In 1994 he and his partner created Viva Glam to raise funds to fight AIDS, 2024 marks 30 years and over $520 million has been raised, impacting over 19 million lives and benefitting over 92 countries.
Dr. Raphael Sofoluke (Entrepreneur, Author, and CEO)
Raphael Sofoluke is an entrepreneur, author, and the visionary founder and CEO of the innovative UK Black Business Show. An advocate for diversity and inclusion within the business community, the annual event which he created and launched is dedicated to promoting and celebrating Black entrepreneurship and excellence.
DIVERSITY CHANGEMAKERS:
Changemakers whose actions disrupted the status quo and address Diversity:
Berry Gordy (Music Mogul, Producer and Businessman)
Berry Gordy is a music mogul, TV/film/theater producer, songwriter, and the founder of the iconic Motown Records, one of the most influential labels in the world. Bringing Black music into the mainstream that appealed to both black and white audiences, he launched the careers of Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 5, and many more. He created a cultural movement bridging racial divides, which has left an indelible mark on the global music industry.
Quincy Jones (Music Mogul, Producer, Author and Humanitarian)
Quincy Jones is a musician, producer, and humanitarian, whose work in music promoted diversity by working across a variety of musical genres and other media outlets. He’s won 27 Grammy Awards and produced Michael Jackson’s hit albums: “Off the Wall”, “Bad”, and “Thriller” which remains the best-selling album of all time. He also produced the groundbreaking charity single “We Are the World” in 1985. An ambassador for music, he bridges cultural gaps while promoting diversity.
Angelica Nwandu (Entrepreneur, CEO, and Media Mogul)
Angelica Nwandu is an entrepreneur and founder of the groundbreaking platform The Shade Room (TSR). This highly influential media platform takes an innovative approach to digital storytelling, with a commitment to authentic storytelling that engages with a diverse audience. A cultural phenomenon, it launched in 2014 as an Instagram account and quickly grew into a major digital media brand with millions of followers across various social media platforms.
Ava DuVernay (Filmmaker, Writer, and Producer)
Ava DuVernay is a filmmaker, writer, and producer known for her impactful work in film and television. She gained widespread acclaim for directing the historical drama “Selma” (2014), which chronicled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign for equal voting rights. DuVernay made history as the first Black woman to direct a film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. DuVernay is also the founder of ARRAY, a multi-platform social impact collective which drives diversity and inclusion in Hollywood, and amplifies marginalized voices.
Garnier (Brand)
Garnier is a global brand known for its wide range of skincare, haircare, and beauty products. In recent years, Garnier has gained attention for its inclusive marketing campaigns, including the “Mixed Race” advert. This campaign celebrates diversity and promotes products suitable for individuals of mixed racial backgrounds, addressing unique skincare and haircare needs.
https://www.garnier.co.uk/our-brands/sun-protection-and-self-tan/ambre-solaire/sensitive-advance/
Michaela Coel (Actress, Screenwriter, Author and Producer)
Michaela Coel is an actress, writer, and producer. With British-Ghanaian roots, her fearless commitment to authentic storytelling has earned her multiple awards and critical acclaim from BAFTA to the NAACP. In 2020, she was named as one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. She uses her platform to address complex social issues and advocate for greater representation and diversity in the entertainment industry.
INCLUSION CHANGEMAKERS:
Changemakers whose early-stage actions disrupt the future status quo and address inclusion:
Olivier Rousteing (Fashion designer, and Creative Director)
Olivier Rousteing is a fashion designer and the creative director of French fashion house Balmain. He’s recognized as an inclusion change maker for his commitment to diversity and representation in the fashion industry. He consistently champions models of various ethnic backgrounds and uses his platform to celebrate different cultures. His work has helped to break down barriers in the fashion world, promoting a more inclusive and representative vision of beauty.
Wanjuhi Njoroge (Social Entrepreneur, and Activist)
Wanjuhi Njoroge is a social entrepreneur, activist, and founder of RootEd and People Planet Africa. An enterprise focused on forest protection, restoration, sustainability, and inclusive development for rural communities which constitute 70% of Africa’s population. Njoroge campaigns not only against climate change but also calls for improvements to digital access and gender rights, and also seeks to empower marginalized groups.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Economist)
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a distinguished Nigerian economist and international development expert. Currently serving as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), she is the first woman and first African to hold this position. Ngozi is an inclusion change maker for her pioneering efforts to integrate developing nations into the global economy and advocating for gender equality and poverty reduction.
Marta Vieira da Silva (Professional Footballer)
Marta Vieira da Silva, commonly known as Marta, is a Brazilian professional footballer and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador for women and girls in sport. She’s the first player to score in 5 World Cups and has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award six times. Marta is an inclusion change maker for her relentless advocacy for gender equality in sports, championing equal opportunities, and respect for female athletes.
Germano Almeida (Writer and Educator)
Germano Almeida is a writer and educator, best known for his novel “The Last Will and Testament of Senhor da Silva Araújo,” which won the Portuguese Grand Prize for Literature. His works often explore themes of identity, colonialism, and the social changes in Cape Verde, giving a profound insight into the complexities of Cape Verdean society. He gives voice to a global audience about the experiences, histories, stories, and perspectives of Cape Verdeans, thus promoting cultural understanding and inclusivity.
Zozibini Tunzi (Model, TV Host, and Entrepreneur)
Zozibini (Zozi) Tunzi is a model, actress, and entrepreneur. She gained international recognition when she won Miss Universe in 2019, proudly wearing her natural hair and speaking out on issues of race and gender equality. She is celebrated for her advocacy for natural beauty and her commitment to promoting diversity and representation.