TheGrio announces 2024 heroes, Juneteenth specials

Allen Media Group’s television and digital media platform TheGrio is planning a series of specials for Juneteenth 2024.

The brand has also announced ten 2024 honorees of its second annual TheGrio Heroes initiative.

These winners will be honored in “TheGrio Heroes,” hosted by the company’s columnist and podcast host Panama Jackson, a special scheduled to air at 7:30 p.m. eastern on TheGrio June 19, 2024.

Following that, “Byron Allen Presents Juneteenth Celebrating Centuries of Black Excellence” will air at 8 p.m. 

President by Byron Allen, founder, chairman and CEO of AMG, which owns TheGrio, the special will spotlight well-known figures ranging from Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, musical trailblazers such as Little Richard and Whitney Houston, acting legends including Whoopi Goldberg and Sidney Poitier, along with others.

Allen will be joined by Natasha S. Alford and Touré, plus celebrity guests including LeVar Burton, Tamron Hall, Kevin Frazier, Jon Kelley, Loni Love and Shaun Robinson.

“As we unveil the remarkable achievements of these 10 heroes and amplify the icons featured in our Juneteenth special, we are reminded of the incredible resilience and excellence that defines the African-American community,” said Allen in a statement. “Heroes are needed more today than ever before, and theGrio is steadfast in its mission to uplift Black culture and remains one-thousand percent committed to celebrating our frontline community leaders.”

Both programs will then re-air in the same time slots on Sunday, June 23, 2024, and Sunday, June 30, 2024, on TheGrio Television Network, tTheGrio Streaming App and TheGrio FAST Channel. Both programs will also be available on demand via theGrio Streaming App beginning Monday, June 24, 2024.

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“Striving to support empowering, measurable change, we elevate the critical contributions theGrio Heroes make to our community every day. We are honored to shine a light on their extraordinary accomplishments and support work that will inspire and uplift many people for generations to come,” said Geraldine Moriba, senior vice president and chief content officer of TheGrio.

The full list of 2024 TheGrio Heroes listed in alphabetical order:

• Osei Boateng: Chief executive officer of OKB Hope Foundation. Boateng’s foundation is bringing essential healthcare services to rural communities in Ghana, improving lives and well-being.
• Rhiannon Carnes: Co-founder and executive director of Ohio Women’s Alliance. Carnes is committed to building collective power with BIPOC women and gender-expansive folks, driving positive change in Ohio.
• Marvin Dunn, professor emeritus, department of psychology at Florida International University. Dunn is renowned for teaching Black history in Florida and actively fighting against book bans.
• Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action. An advocate for reproductive rights, gun control and social justice, Ferrell-Zabala leads initiatives to promote safer communities.
• Angel Gregorio, founder of Black + Forth and The Spice Suite. Gregorio’s initiatives amplify Black-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment and community growth.
• Jacqueline Hubbard, an advocate who brought Freedom Schools to Florida. Hubbard’s work has empowered countless individuals through education and advocacy.
• Chris Matthews, founder of Blankies 4 My Buddies, an organization providing comfort to children dealing with traumatic situations. Matthews’ inspiring journey has touched many lives.
• Kwane Stewart: Co-founder and board president of The Street Vet. Stewart’s dedication to caring for homeless animals and their human caretakers has garnered widespread recognition and admiration.
• Mychal Threets, a librarian and TikTok influencer advocating for reading. Threets’ viral social media videos promote literacy and life-affirming messages, inspiring a love for reading.
• Jabee Williams, founder of Live Free OKC, a subsidiary of Live Free USA, a national gun violence prevention organization. Williams has been instrumental in advocating for gun control and community safety.