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Ohio Teen Couple Commits Suicide Within Days of Each Other
Two days after Mercedes Smith, 18, was found unresponsive after an apparent suicide in her dorm room at Lindsey Wilson College on April 20, her boyfriend, Markeice Brown, 17, took his own life amid accusations that Smith’s death was his fault. Smith was reportedly pregnant with Markeice’s child. After learning of Smith’s death, Markeice posted…
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Cleveland Police Launch Manhunt for Suspect Who Broadcast Killing Live on Facebook: Reports
Updated Sunday, April 16, 2017, 7:43 p.m. EDT: Cleveland police have identified the victim in the Facebook Live video as 74-year-old Robert Goodwin Sr., according to ABC News. In the video, which has been removed from Facebook, Goodwin can be seen raising his arms to protect himself as a suspect, whom police have identified as…
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The Root’s Young Futurists of 2017 Will Put Your Life to Shame
They are young, gifted and black. They are part of a generation that is poised to change the future. We know this because they are already changing the present. Meet The Root’s Young Futurists of 2017! For the past six years, we have honored 25 of the best and the brightest young people, ages 15 to…
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Jonathan Wynn-Strachan
Art saved Jonathan Wynn-Strachan’s life. In 2012, when he was a sophomore in high school, he and his family were living out of a one-bedroom motel room. He’d lost hope that his family’s situation would improve. But after hearing Nat King Cole’s “Smile” on the radio one day, Jonathan knew he had to stop focusing…
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Alanna Wall
Alanna Wall is determined to add a little polish and sparkle to the lives of hospitalized children and girls with special needs. Alanna founded Polished Girlz when she was just 10 years old after being turned down for several volunteer organizations because she was too young. Inspired by her love of drawing and cool nail…
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Isaiah Cooper
Isaiah Cooper is already aiming to fly to higher heights. In 2016, at 16 years old, he made headlines when he became one of the youngest black pilots to fly around the United States. The next mission? To make the Guinness World Records and become the youngest person to take a solo flight around the…
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Lauren Seroyer
Lauren Seroyer was eating a quick breakfast at school when she was inspired to start her nonprofit organization. A classmate approached her for some of her meal because he didn’t have enough to eat at home. “I knew I had to do something to keep him—and other students like him—from ever having to tell that…
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Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna
Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna is dedicated to making sure the world’s infrastructure is solid as a rock. Seriously. Augusta has spent the last several years researching cement and how to make it sustainable. The Harvard College freshman told The Root that her “first love” and “first passion” is cement. CATEGORY: Science and TechAGE: 18HOMETOWN: Elmont, N.Y.EDUCATION: Harvard…
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Zendaya
Whether singing, acting or clapping back on Twitter, Zendaya always finds a way to use her voice for good. “I have a billion dreams, and I want to use my platform to help people,” she told Vanity Fair. “I’ve been given this power and I have to start conversations that are bigger than myself.” CATEGORY:…
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Khareem Oliver
Pet owners often think of their dogs and cats as their kids. So when Scruffy or Fluffy is lost, it can wreak havoc on owners’ lives. Khareem Oliver has seen this firsthand. For the past 10 years, he’s volunteered at animal-rescue organizations and noticed that many animals did not have identification that could be used…
