Black Excellences 2025

Welcome to my annual list as I count down 28 of the greats for Black History Month.

1. Erma S. Cooper– My mom who passed away in November. Mom was the epitome of a great woman. I am the woman I am because of her, and I vow to keep making her proud. She’s now my guardian angel.
2. Marcus Freeman- Head coach of Notre Dame College Football Team. I’m proud to say Marcus went and played football for Wayne High School, which is in Huber Heights and a suburb of Dayton, OH, of which I’m from.
3. Shaboozey- An American Rapper. Shaboozey has broken through the country music genre and has one of the top songs that’s got me grooving!
4. Heather Watkins- A disability advocate, author, blogger and much more. Heather motivates me to keep writing from my heart.
5. Renee Hines- My Neighbor and my first babysitter who passed away last February. Renee was my friend and one of my biggest supporters, cheering me on to success. I miss you girly, RIP.
6. Willis Blackshear Jr.-  Newly elected Ohio Senator for District 6th. Thanks for representing the District that I reside in and making the community better.
7. Idris Elba- English Actor, rapper and DJ. Fingers crossed that he will portray the next fictional character, James Bond.
8. Tamron Hall- Talk show host and Journalist. A woman I admire and aspire to be as good as.
9. Kamar Gage- Intermitted Superintendent for the Montgomery County Developmental Disabilities Services. Thanks for stepping in to make sure the quality of life of people with disabilities in Montgomery County is still at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
10. Dawn Staley- American basketball coach and former player who’s the highest-paid women’s hoops coach. Thanks for showing the world what a boss chick looks likes!
11. Angel Reese- An American basketball player. I love Angela’s talent and her ability to do it while looking good!
12. Garrett Morgan- Inventor of the three-way traffic light. Thanks to you, people aren’t crashing into one another on a daily basis.
13. Stacey Lawson—System Vice President of Premier Health. Thank you for assuring that everyone receives good health care in Miami Valley.
14. Jeremiah Smith– OSU Buckeye football player who made a 56-yard grab to help his team win the college football national championship. He makes me proud to be a Buckeye fan!
15. Morris Chestnut- An American Actor. I love all the movies he plays in.
16. Sha’Carri Richardson- An American track and field Olympian. Thanks for showing people how to never give up on their dream.
17. Jay Z- An American rapper and businessman. I love the way he balances the two to be one of the best in the business.
18. Teresa Ridley – My current caregiver, who is very dependable and my friend. Thanks for providing excellent care and helping to make my days easier and brighter.
19. Cynthia Erivo- London-born award-winning actress, singer, producer and songwriter. Thanks for the fantastic portrayal of Elphaba in the 2024 version of Wicked
20. Tiffany McGuire-Edwards- Goodwill Easterseals’ employee and my co-worker. Tiffany is a great facilitator and assures that new hire orientation goes well.
21. Emmett Till- 14-year-old youth who was abducted and lynched. Thanks for making the ultimate sacrifice and bringing national awareness to why we should fight for civil rights.
22. Brittni Mason- An American track and field Paralympian. Brittni is from Ohio and did the state proud medaling.
23. Jonathan Lawson- Television personality. Thanks for getting the point across that life insurance is important.
24. Nischelle Turner- Co-host of Entertainment Tonight- Thanks for keeping me up on current entertainment events.
25. TyKiah Wright Wilson- Disability Advocate and CEO of Wright Choice Mentoring. Thanks for letting everyone know mentoring can change lives.
26. Daymon Waynes Jr.– American actor and comedian. I love the new game show that he hosts, Raid The Cage!
27. John W. Garland- Current President of Central State University. Thanks for leading one of Ohio’s Historical Black Colleges.
28. Dionne Warwick-Grammy award-winning singer. Her voice is beautiful and puts me in a mellow mood.

I hope you have enjoyed my 2025 Black History list of amazing people. Feel free to add to the list!

Shari