This extraordinary group of kids and teens have already accomplished more than most adults in a lifetime! Here are 8 gifted humans who are sure to inspire you and your little ones:
1. Esther Okade
In 2015, at just 10 years old, Esther Okade was a top freshman in her college class. In addition to studying for exams, the bite-sized mathematician wrote math work books for children.
As far as future goals, Esther said: “I’m going to do my PhD in financial maths when I’m 13. I want to have my own bank by the time I’m 15 because I like numbers and I like people and banking is a great way to help people.”
2. Boffin Ramami Wilfred
Dubbed “Britain’s Smartest Schoolboy” in 2014, 11 year old Ramami scored a 162 on an IQ test, higher than Stephen Hawking, Bill Gates and Albert Einstein! Ramami’s mom knew he wasn’t the average child when his favorite book as a toddler was the encyclopedia. Ramami’s incredible scores allowed him to be a member of Mensa, an organization open to folks who score in the 98th percentile or higher on an IQ or other approved intelligence test.
On his tremendous achievement, Ramami said:
“I believe that having a high IQ isn’t that important unless you do something really special with it.”
3. Rochelle Ballantyne
In 2012, at just 17 years old, Rochelle was the only girl featured in Brooklyn Castle, a documentary about inner-city students that ranked among the nation’s top chess players. At the time, she was in the 99th percentile of American junior players! When asked what was driving her, Rochelle said:
“My grandmother. When I first started playing, she introduced to me the idea of being the first African-American female chess master. I didn’t think about it much because for me it seemed like an impossible feat, and I didn’t think it could happen. I wasn’t as focused and dedicated as I am now. I didn’t think I was a good chess player—people told me I was, but it wasn’t my mentality at that moment. But then after she died, that really affected me, because she was the one person that always had confidence in me. She never pushed me, and she always respected me for who I was. I have to reach that goal for her.”
This amazing young lady is currently an undergraduate at Stanford University double majoring in Political Science and African American Studies. She is interested in “helping to give voice to those who are often neglected or ignored.”
4. Tony Hasberry Jr.
In 2012, at just 14 years old, Tony had already created a new surgical technique to reduce the risk of complications when performing hysterectomies. The discovery began during an internship at the University of Florida’s Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research.
Currently, Tony is a student at Florida A&M University with aspirations of becoming a trauma surgeon who invents and analyzes innovative products and medical processes.
5. Maya Shea Penn
At just 16 years old, Maya is already the CEO of a fashion company, a published author and she has a non-profit organization called Maya’s Ideas 4 The Planet.
Maya’s career began in 2008 at just 8 years old when she began creating eco-friendly clothes and accessories. Through her non-profit, Maya has created eco-friendly sanitary pads for girls in developing countries. This teenage entrepreneur has gained national attention in Essence, Forbes, Black Enterprise, The Huffington Post and many other notable publications. She has also done three TEDTalks becoming the youngest female to do two back to back TEDTalks!
6. Jaylen Bledsoe
At just 12 years old, Jaylen started his own information technology consulting business with $100. Now, at 17 years old, Jaylen has built a $3.5 Million dollar global enterprise as an investor, motivational speaker and business development consultant.
On his success, Jaylen said:
“I don’t find anyone that’s going to demean me… who is going to bring me down. [I only find] people who bring me up to make my purpose prosper.”
Check out his powerful interview with T.D. Jakes below:
7. Mabou Loiseau
In 2014, at only 8 years old, Mabou, a native of Queens, New York, was speaking English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Haitian Creole, Japanese and even sign language! She was playing piano, violin, guitar, harp, clarinet, conga, drums and the flute.
In an interview with Katie Couric, mini-Queen Mabou said, “I want to be a lawyer, a brain surgeon and a singer.”
Currently, you can find Mabou performing off-Broadway showcasing her musical talents!
8. Daquan Chisholm
In 2007, at just 10 years old, Baltimore native Daquan Chisholm attended a three week course called “Inventions” and was tasked with creating his own invention. He created a bullet-proof police helmet with a built-in walkie talkie to keep police safe. Although he didn’t have enough money to patent his idea, his invention gave him a sense of drive and motivation knowing that one day he had it in him to make the world a better place.
He hopes to motivate others to do good and stand out. He wants kids like him to know:
“If you feel you have something special, just share it with the world.”
In 2015, Daquan was a senior in high school hoping to attend college and attain a degree in engineering or natural sciences.
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About The Author
Faye McCray is an
attorney by day and writer all the time. Her work has been featured on My Brown Baby, AfroPunk, AfroNews, For Harriet, Madame Noire, Black Girl Nerds, Black and Married with Kids, and other popular publications. Faye also has a number of short stories and a full length novel available for purchase on Amazon. Most importantly, Faye is a proud wife and mother to three beautiful and talented young boys who she is fiercely passionate about raising.
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