#SturdyBlackShoulders 2026
Coretta Scott King
1927–2006
Coretta Scott King was more than the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., she was a strategist, diplomat, and movement builder in her own right. After his assassination, she carried the civil rights movement forward, founding the King Center and expanding the fight to include global human rights, anti-apartheid activism, and women’s rights. Her leadership demonstrated that grief can be transformed into organized power.
A’JA WILSON
1996–
A’ja Wilson is a dominant force in women’s basketball and a leader for future athletes. She is a three-time WNBA champion and the first player in league history to win four MVP awards. Wilson has received two Finals MVP awards, three Defensive Player of the Year honors, TIME Athlete of the year and multiple All-Star selections. Internationally, she is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Through the A’ja Wilson Foundation, she advocates for young girls in sports, focusing on education, bullying prevention, and mental health. In 2025, she launched her first Nike shoe, enhancing visibility and opportunities for aspiring female players.
Ayanna Pressley
1972–
Ayanna Pressley is a U.S. Congresswoman for Massachusetts’ 7th District and a prominent advocate for equity and justice. She made history in 2018 as the first Black woman elected to Congress from Massachusetts and is a member of “The Squad.” Pressley champions legislation on reproductive justice, student debt cancellation, criminal justice reform, economic equity, and immigrant rights, focusing on marginalized communities. Her leadership aims for transformative change and broader representation in government.
Latosha Brown
1967–
LaTosha Brown is a prominent organizer and political strategist, co-founding Black Voters Matter to enhance political power and voter engagement in Black communities, especially in the South. With extensive grassroots experience, she empowers local leaders and boosts civic participation. Her efforts mobilize voters, highlight important issues, and reshape discussions on democracy and equity. Through culture, organizing, and advocacy, she advocates for a democratic vision where every community has a voice.
Simone Biles
1997–
Simone Biles is regarded as the greatest gymnast ever, with over 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, and multiple skills named after her. A four-time Olympic gold medalist, she has transformed gymnastics with her power and innovation. In 2021, she prioritized her mental health by stepping back from Olympic events, challenging traditional athlete expectations and sparking global discussions on athlete well-being. Biles now advocates for mental health awareness, athlete safety, and survivor justice.
Stacey Abrams
1973–
Stacey Abrams is a voting rights advocate, political leader, and bestselling author known for expanding democratic participation in the U.S. She served as Minority Leader of the Georgia House and founded Fair Fight Action and Fair Count to combat voter suppression and enhance civic engagement, especially among marginalized communities. Her efforts reshaped voter mobilization strategies and contributed to historic voter turnout in Georgia. Abrams continues to advocate for voting rights, economic equity, and fair access to democracy.
