This Juneteenth, we honor the ones who keep going.
They lead with love.
They speak with courage.
They build with vision.
And they move with a purpose bigger than themselves.
From storytellers to organizers, CEOs to teenagers changing the world — these 13 honorees carry the spirit of Juneteenth in everything they do.
They are Relentless Like Them — the ones who never stopped so we could keep moving forward.
Dr. Opal Lee
Relentless in the fight.
At 98, she’s making sure our history is never forgotten.
Joy Reid
Relentless with the truth.
She speaks power to power – clearly, consistently, and without apology.
Dawn Staley
Relentless in leadership.
She wins with integrity and lifts as she climbs.
Brittney Packnett Cunningham
Relentless in purpose.
From protest to policy, she turns conviction into action.
Coco Gauff
Relentless in motion.
She plays with power, speaks with clarity, and shows up for more than just the game.
Imani Barbarin
Relentless in visibility.
She refuses to be erased and makes room for everyone often left out.
Thasunda Brown Duckett
Relentless in equity.
She’s changing the face of leadership and building pathways for others to follow.
Ryan Coogler
Relentless in storytelling.
He builds worlds where we are seen, powerful, and whole.
Jason Reynolds
Relentless with the pen.
He gives young people mirrors, maps, and magic with every word.
Audra McDonald
Relentless in presence.
She commands the stage with more than talent — she brings legacy, depth, and dignity to every role.
Ryan Wilson (The Gathering Spot)
Relentless in community.
He created a space where Black excellence feels at home.
Orion Jean
Relentless in kindness.
And as a child should lead them, he’s already showing us that service is a superpower.
Anonymous Elders
Relentless before us.
Their names aren’t in history books but their struggle is our foundation.
Cover Photo Credit: Elizabeth Lavin / D Magazine