Forget the doomscrolling and cynicism for a couple of hours. CNN’s annual “Heroes” tribute returns Sunday, December 8, offering a welcome respite from the usual barrage of bad news. This year’s installment features a diverse group of individuals tackling challenges head-on, from helping refugees find community through music to ensuring pets aren’t abandoned during their owners’ struggles with addiction.
In Gothenburg, Sweden, Ron Davis Alvarez, a violinist and conductor, saw a need and filled it with the Dream Orchestra. His goal: to provide refugees and immigrants with a platform for integration and expression through the power of music. Meanwhile, in Dallas, Texas, Stephen Knight’s Dogs Matter addresses a different kind of crisis – the heartbreaking choice between seeking help for addiction and caring for a beloved pet. His organization provides temporary foster care for animals, allowing owners to focus on recovery without the added worry of their furry companions’ welfare.
Across the globe, in Togo, Payton McGriff co-created SHE (Style Her Empowered), a program designed to give young girls access to education. SHE provides uniforms that can be adjusted as the girls grow, removing a significant financial barrier that often prevents them from attending school.
Closer to home, in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, Rachel Rutter uses her legal expertise to lead Project Libertad, offering vital support to immigrant children facing an uncertain future. And in Brooklyn, New York, Yamilée Toussaint’s STEM From Dance program uses the dynamism of dance to inspire girls of color to pursue careers in science and technology.
CNN’s two-hour special will feature in-depth profiles of each hero, exploring the motivations and methods behind their impactful work. Viewers can anticipate a potent mix of resilience, compassion, and a reminder that even amidst widespread negativity, pockets of hope and positive change persist.
Tune in to CNN this Sunday, December 8 at 8 p.m. for the 18th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute.
