TIME magazine has launched its 2012 list of 100 Most Influential People In The World and there are some fascinating figures included. From actress Viola Davis to the President of Nigeria.
What I didn’t immediently realise is that each entry in the list features a bio written by a fellow ‘person of influence’ So Cecily Tyson had some lovely things to say about Viola Davis and Elton John shares why he’s such a fan of Raphael Saadiq…
As I watch Viola’s career soar, I marvel at her strength, stamina and amazing spirit, which I believe comes from her faith in the Almighty. She has taken an opportunity not just to set a standard but to redefine it.
Immaculately dressed (a Saadiq trademark) and moving like the soul stars of old, he confirmed that great black music is alive and well and not just a string of hip-hop monotony.
Barack Obama x Joe Klein (TIME’s political columnist)
But most of all, in the roil of a difficult time, he seemed smart and steady, trustworthy. Monuments are not often built to politicians who are merely trustworthy, but they do tend to win re-election.
Freeman Hrabowski (Educator) x Andrew J. Rotherham (Co-founder of Bellwether Education)
But perhaps the most envied science program in the country is at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. That’s where Freeman A. Hrabowski III, 61, has spent 20 years as president turning a humble commuter school into one of the nation’s leading sources of African Americans who get Ph.D.s in science and engineering.
Goodluck Jonathan (President of Nigeria) x Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (President of Liberia)
He has spearheaded the fight against corruption and turned Nigeria into an example of good governance. He has also made a significant impact on consolidating peace and security in West Africa.
I can say from personal experience that her presence is already inspiring a new generation of women, particularly from the Caribbean diaspora, to get involved in public service and to make a difference. Sister P is a woman to watch.
Thoughtful, soft-spoken, yet determined and forceful, Bensouda has been a leading voice pressing governments to support the quest for justice, particularly in Africa.
[via TIME]
