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TAYLOR MOORE
CHICAGO, IL
Taylor Moore, at 10 years of age, was the first child to receive the 2000 Phenomenal Woman Award during the opening ceremonies for the Expo for Today’s Black Woman. At 13 years of age, she was an award winning, motivational speaker and storyteller;bringing her compelling messages of love, faith, excellence and non-violence to children and adults alike around the Chicagoland area and beyond. Taylor was featured at the 69th annual NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner in Battle Creek, Michigan.The following day, she was the keynote luncheon speaker at a youth seminar sponsored by the veteran civil rights organization.
While most youngsters her age were focused on friends, fashion and their favorite music groups, this young dynamo is committed to making the world a better place with her straight-from-the heart messages. But, it’s no wonder! She started off 2002 in high gear, delivering a tribute to the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at Mayor Richard Daley’s annual Interfaith Breakfast in recognition of King’s birthday.Her heart-felt messages have earned her numerous awards, including the Top Ladies of Distinction Outstanding Youth Honor for speaking out against violence and promoting racial unity.She has also received numerous oratorical honors from the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. This young prodigy is one to reckon with.
“When God gives you a gift, use it!” is Taylor’s philosophy and that is exactly what she is doing. Without a doubt, she is a leader for the 21st Century.
AYINDE JEAN-BAPTISTE
CHICAGO, IL
His dynamic presence must have been foreseen by his parents who named him Ayinde, which means, “we gave praises and he came.” His middle name, Shomari, means “forceful,” and he was born on the first day of Kwanzaa, Umoja, meaning unity. Thus, young Jean-Baptiste’s mission was virtually sealed at birth, he has worked hard since then to fulfill the prophecy. Before Ayinde was 7, he appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show. At 11 years-old, he gave one of the most memorable speeches at the Million Man March speaking to more than 1 million Black men, holding his own on a platform with some of the best speakers in the country. At age 14, he had a national reputation as a public speaker and motivator, at that time giving more than 25 speeches a year.
Although this 25 year-old made his name as a public speaker, he is assuming the role of organizer. “It doesn’t necessarily make you famous, but it’s more important than just talking,” says Jean-Baptiste, who served as campaign manager for his father’s successful political bid as an alderman in his hometown of Evanston, Ill. “We need an entire population of strong leaders and people who are actively engaged in their political, social and economic realities, and the realities of their communities.” Despite the acclaim, Ayinde is a young man with a mission.
ORRIN C. HUDSON
ATLANTA, GA
Be Someone was founded by Orrin C. Hudson, whom CNN called the “Pied Piper of Positivity.” A chess champion, U.S. Air Force veteran, and former Alabama State Trooper and entrepreneur, Orin Hudson points to his own life as proof that every move counts and that winning is a choice. Orin grew up in public housing in Birmingham, Alabama. Lacking direction and purpose during his early teens, he was headed down the wrong path. Orin credits a high school teacher with getting him on the right path. “He taught me life through chess. He told me that every move you make has consequences and, for my game and my life to get better, I had to get better. He told me that I was responsible for my own success.”
Today, Orrin Hudson is changing the world, one move at a time. Using chess as both a metaphor and a teaching tool, he has helped thousands of kids to think strategically about their futures and to establish–and work toward–long-term goals.
Mr. Hudson is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Success School and a member of the National Speakers Association, Georgia Speakers Association, United Chess Federation, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. Visit his website at www.besomeone.org.
