Cori Anika Bush, born on July 21, 1976, is a prominent figure in American politics, nursing, and activism. She made history as the first African-American woman to represent Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 2021 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, Bush's political journey was marked by notable victories and challenges. Her rise to national prominence came after defeating a 10-term incumbent in a primary election, a feat considered an upset in the solidly Democratic congressional district. Bush's involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement and her role as a pastor and nurse have shaped her advocacy for social justice and healthcare reform.Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Bush's early life experiences, including overcoming adversity and pursuing education, have informed her commitment to public service. Her activism gained attention during the 2014 Ferguson unrest, where she worked as a triage nurse and organizer, and she later became a candidate for the U.S. Senate. In her successful bid for the House of Representatives, Bush's campaign received endorsements from progressive organizations and prominent figures, reflecting her alignment with progressive values.Despite facing a challenging primary in 2024, Bush's impact on American politics and social issues has been widely recognized. Her contributions to the national discourse and her representation of her constituents have solidified her position as a significant figure in contemporary American politics.

Cori Thomas is a renowned dramatist and screenwriter of Liberian and Brazilian descent. She has contributed significantly to the world of theater with her compelling works, including When January Feels Like Summer, Lockdown, My Secret Language of Wishes, Pa's Hat, and Citizens Market. Coming from a background deeply rooted in diplomacy, Thomas is the daughter of a Liberian ambassador and the granddaughter of Cora Ann Pair Thomas, a missionary who played a pivotal role in establishing the Lott Carey Mission in Liberia.With a remarkable career trajectory, Thomas's play When January Feels Like Summer received widespread acclaim and won the American Theatre Critics Association Elizabeth Osborn New Play Award. Her other notable works, such as Pa's Hat and My Secret Language of Wishes, have also left a lasting impact on the theater scene. In 2019, her play Lockdown, directed by Kent Gash, garnered significant attention when it was commissioned and produced at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in New York City.Furthermore, Thomas's accolades include being the Andrew Mellon Playwright-In-Residence at WP Theater in New York City and receiving the prestigious Helen Merrill Playwriting award. She has also co-written the memoir I Cried to Dream Again with Sara Kruzan. With a rich tapestry of accomplishments, Thomas continues to captivate audiences with her thought-provoking narratives and remains a prominent figure in the world of theater.References:https://www.nytimes.com/2024/

Cori Schumacher, born on April 23, 1977, in Huntington Beach, California, is a prominent American surfer, activist, and former politician. With an impressive surfing career, Schumacher clinched the Women's World Longboard Champion title three times, in 2000, 2001, and 2010. Hailing from a family of enthusiastic surfers, she quickly developed a passion for the sport and embarked on her competitive journey at the young age of twelve. Notably, Schumacher transitioned from shortboarding to longboarding, achieving remarkable success in both disciplines. Beyond her achievements in surfing, she is renowned for her activism and political endeavors. Her advocacy work focuses on gender equity, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC representation in surfing, and social justice. Notably, she initiated a viral campaign targeting the sexualization of female professional surfers and played a pivotal role in the passage of California's "Equal Pay for Equal Play" legislation. Furthermore, Schumacher ventured into politics, serving as a city council member for Carlsbad, California, from 2016 to 2021. Her political career was marked by progressive stances on various issues, including environmental conservation and COVID-19 restrictions. Schumacher, who identifies with she/her and they/them pronouns, continues to be a driving force in advocating for positive change within and beyond the surfing community.