For Because of Them We Can (BOTWC), Black Excellence isn’t relegated to degrees, income, class, or being the first to break a barrier. It is the everyday excellence that we exude by simply showing up as our best selves and striving to create a better world for ourselves and those who will inhabit it after us.
Everyday excellence shows up in how we honor the sacrifices of our ancestors, how we believe in ourselves, how we pursue our dreams, and how we help others along the way. We are excited for this inaugural class of the “BOTWC 20” which highlights 20 individuals spotlighted on our platform who represent just that.
Because of Them We Can celebrates the 2023 class of BOTWC 20 honorees!
CEO, Because of Them We Can
First Black deaf actor to receive an Emmy nomination
First Black Michelin Star Chef in New York City
First Black woman inducted into The Academy of Emergency Nurses
CEO, Uncle Nearest. Largest Grand Champagne Vineyard Owner in Cognac, France
Atlanta resident providing free lawn care for the elderly and those with disabilities
First Woman Chair of Black Panther Party now leading Oakland affordable housing project
Calcea Johnson & Ne’Kiya Jackson
New Orleans teens who made impossible mathematical discovery 2,000 years in the making
First Black woman to coach in the NFL Super Bowl
Creator of the first Black Barbie
First Black man to become Massachusetts Teacher of the Year
North Carolina bookstore owner providing mobile book shop for community
Virginia teen named America’s Top Young Scientist for inventing cancer-fighting soap
Owner of Philadelphia’s oldest Black-owned bookstore
Memphis teen providing free haircuts for the unhoused
Exonerated ‘Central Park Five’ member elected to New York City Council
No. 1 ranked Black Junior Golfer
Formerly homeless DC man became valedictorian of graduating class
Award-winning journalist who serves as a reliable and trusted voice of Black news
Fourth-grade hero who saved a classmate’s life on the last day of school
Youth model inspiring other young children with disabilities
Cover photo: Because of Them We Can Announces the Inaugural ‘BOTWC 20,’ Award Honoring Everyday Changemakers/Photo courtesy of Because Of Them We Can