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The Most Influential African-Americans of 2008
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WILL.I.AM
MUSICIAN, ACTIVIST
Known for the hip-pop of the Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am, 33, got political this year. After hearing a Barack Obama speech in New Hampshire, he produced the video “Yes We Can,” setting excerpts to music. Starring such celebrities as John Legend, the video became a viral hit. Even Michelle Obama reportedly forwarded it to her husband’s supporters. The artist says, “[Getting involved in activism] makes me realize…every person on the planet who is pushing for change can see that it can happen.”
For the complete list, check out the December issue of ESSENCE on newsstands now.
―PATRIK HENRY BASSADVERTISEMENT
U are $?#@! Ugly
Posted at 8:52AM on January 26th 2009 by shawn
The Most Influential African-Americans of 2008 is such an honor for our people. I just love to hear about our accomplishments, it really inspires me to do better. I am a 45-year old African-American women that went back to college after working a clerical job for years and raising my four children. In may of '07 I got my associates in applied science degree, in may of /09 I will receive my bachelor's degree from Eastern Illinois University and have now applied for graduate school at Eastern as well. When I get my Master's of Science in Technology, I will write Essence with the good news and the all too infamous chant...YES WE CAN!!!!!!!
Posted at 5:07PM on November 17th 2008 by Angela Williams