1. Athlete Mangar Makur Chuot

Mangar Makur Chuot carries on his father's dedication to South Sudan while still honoring ties to Australia, the country where he discovered sprinting. After eight years in a Kenyan refugee camp, the orphan worked hard to become great. His positive immigration story inspires us at a time when "immigration" is a controversial buzzword. I am glad that Chuot runs, exemplifying loyalty to two nationalities, breathing life into the memory of those lost in the civil war's violence, and even passing his passion and his wisdom down to indigenous children. Check out this article.

2. Police Chief Chris Magnus

In 2006, this chief stepped up, seeing that his new department (and the surrounding community) could use real change. He has created programs for training and processes for reviewing, in order to make sure that his officers can be held accountable. These officers have formed relationships with diverse Richmond residents. In this historically violent city, "no one has been killed by a cop since 2007" (link) and that's partially because local families trust the police.

3. Dr. Pierrette Mimi Poinsett

Advocating for lesser-heard voices requires awareness and devotion. As a pediatrician and as a mother of a son with learning disorders, this woman advocates well. She writes to increase awareness and cares about tearing down untruths. Read one of her pieces about autism and race here.

4. SEPTA Driver Charles Arterbury "Above and beyond the call of duty"

Charles Arterbury, pictured on the right, stands proudly with the Captain of the SEPTA police. He went "above and beyond the call of duty" one late night to protect a passenger's property from a robber. Watch him be a real life superhero here.

5. You

All of these people could walk down the street without your recognition. But they are inspirations and heroes anyway. You have the ability to stand for something greater, to demand better from the system, to advocate for the helpless, and/or to protect someone. I believe in you! This is an infinite list that expands for anyone who wants to join it. Let's save the world from fear and hatred together.