CNN Heroes: The National 9/11 Flag
2026 CNN Heroes
CNN Heroes Highlight
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• Video 2:08Video 2:08Video One million strong: How this CNN Hero uses the power of community to help people in recovery 2:08 -
• Video 2:12Video 2:12Video The ‘gift of mobility’: How this CNN Hero helps people thrive after paralysis 2:12 -
• Video 2:12Video 2:12Video From prison to purpose: How this CNN Hero has helped countless women break the cycle of incarceration 2:12
2025's Top 5 CNN Heroes
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• Quilen BlackwellFlowers bring beauty, life and opportunity to one Chicago neighborhood -
• Heidi CarmanFirst responders endure high levels of stress. These dogs can lighten the load -
• Hillary CohenThe ‘GrubHub’ for LA’s hungry: Bringing the film industry’s excess food to people in need -
• Debra Des VignesThis former crime reporter uses writing to help people in prison transform their lives -
• Tim WoodwardA lifeline for 10,000 forgotten and abused animals: How his team mobilizes for large-scale rescues -
• Video 1:31What’s it like to find out you are a Top 5 CNN Hero? 1:31 -
Donate: Help the Top 5 CNN Heroes help others -
Learn more about the Elevate Prize Foundation -
Follow CNN Heroes on Instagram
More CNN Heroes Stories
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• Video 2:11Video 2:11Remembering CNN Hero Shirley Raines and her tireless efforts to bring ‘Beauty 2 the Streetz’ 2:11 -
• Video 2:12Video 2:12‘One plié at a time’: Misty Copeland is expanding access to ballet 2:12 -
What started with her babysitting money has now changed thousands of lives in Nepal -
• Video 2:04Video 2:04How this CNN Hero’s ‘Neurodiversity Alliance’ has grown to empower more students 2:04 -
• Video 2:12Video 2:12This CNN Hero’s legacy is a ‘ray of hope’ for hundreds of Afghan girls 2:12
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• CNN Heroes Salutes: Bill BrownHow this 96-year-old’s garden grew into a food bank feeding thousands in Florida -
• CNN HEROES SALUTES: YURI WILLIAMSHow one man’s superhero mission has brightened thousands of lives in all 50 states -
• CNN Heroes Update: Tyrique GlasgowRenaming a local street is the latest success in this CNN Hero’s mission to empower his community -
• Video 2:13Video 2:13How these CNN Heroes connected in Miami and walked away reignited 2:13
'Hero of the Year' Updates
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• Video 2:09Video 2:09Video 2025: Quilen Blackwell 2:09 -
• Video 2:11Video 2:11Video 2024: Stephen Knight 2:11 -
• Video 5:25Video 5:25Video 2023: Dr. Kwane Stewart 5:25 -
2022: Nelly Cheboi -
2021: Shirley Raines
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2019: Freweini Mebrahtu -
2018: Ricardo Pun-Chong -
2017: Amy Wright -
2016: Jeison Aristizábal -
2013: Chad Pregracke -
2012: Pushpa Basnet -
2011: Robin Lim -
2009: Efren Peñaflorida -
2008: Liz McCartney
