In the spirit of elevating such Black creatives, AT&T Dream has launched its Black Future Makers campaign.

Complete with “Dream in Black” visuals from acclaimed artist and photographer Temi Coker, the honorees included artist H.E.R., activist Tamika Mallory, lifestyle personality Tabitha Brown,  actress Tichina Arnold, sports legend LeBron James and more. 

Now, AT&T is keeping that same energy by celebrating unsung voices with its new Black Future Maker contest, designed to find fresh faces making change in their communities. Or as AT&T says, “someone who shows how they are making history now, giving back to the community, pursuing their dreams, actualizing their gifts or positivity.” 

Officially launched in February, AT&T will select a winner each month until December 2021. Kicking off the campaign is the first winner, Jacqueline Means, a Wilmington native and teen Neuroscience major at the University of Delaware that blew the judges away with her entry video.

A proud founder of the Wilmington Urban STEM Initiative — which works to bring science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) — to underserved girls throughout the community. With COVID-19 putting a hold on much of her conference work, Means instead found yet another way to connect and engage by posting weekly STEM videos, social media platforms and providing virtual STEM classes via Zoom; work that has led Means to receiving numerous accolades and awards, including appearances on The Steve Harvey Show, the Kelly Clarkson Show, Dr. Oz, Access Hollywood – and even a recurring role as a series regular on CBS’s Mission Unstoppable. 

Thanks to her ongoing work and commitment to bringing STEM education to more communities of color across the country, Means is a great example of what AT&T hopes to achieve with its ongoing Black Futures Maker campaign. 

“For me, being an AT&T Dream In Black Future Maker is proof that perseverance and determination pay off. It’s proof that aiming high is a realistic goal, and that by believing in one’s own abilities and working hard, anything is possible,” says Means.

In addition to joining the distinguished list of Black Future Makers, will receive a cash prize of $10,000 to assist in chasing their dream; a token of appreciation for those that AT&T says have “dedicated their lives to change. They’re championing a fair and equitable future for all, defining moments and creating a world so rich with cultural heritage that all can enjoy.”

Are you making history in your community, or do you know someone who is? If so, AT&T would love to hear from you. Apply by posting a 30- to 60-second video on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter explaining how you are making history and uplifting your community, using the hashtags #dreaminblack and #attfuturemaker. If nominating someone, AT&T says nominators must tag the nominee in their official contest post. 

Ready to nominate someone or even yourself? Join AT&T’s Black Future Makers contest here. 

This editorial is brought to you in partnership with AT&T Dream In Black.