Hosts Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa pose with the 2021 CNN Heroes following The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.'
Inside 2021's 'CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute'
Hosts Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa pose with the 2021 CNN Heroes following The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.'
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Updated 1818 GMT (0218 HKT) January 12, 2022

See highlights from the 2021 red carpet and ceremony honoring CNN's Top 10 Heroes and CNN's Hero of the Year.

2021 CNN Hero Shirley Raines reacts as she is named the 2021 Hero of the Year. For the past six years, Raines and her organization, <a href="https://www.beauty2thestreetz.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Beauty 2 the Streetz</a>, have been a mainstay on Skid Row, providing food, clothing, hair and makeup services -- and most recently health and hygiene items -- to thousands of people.
2021 CNN Hero Shirley Raines reacts as she is named the 2021 Hero of the Year. For the past six years, Raines and her organization, Beauty 2 the Streetz, have been a mainstay on Skid Row, providing food, clothing, hair and makeup services -- and most recently health and hygiene items -- to thousands of people.
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Harold O'Neal, on piano, and Aloe Blacc perform onstage ahead of the CNN Hero of the Year announcement.
Harold O'Neal, on piano, and Aloe Blacc perform onstage ahead of the CNN Hero of the Year announcement.
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2021 CNN Hero Dr. Patricia Gordon speaks onstage during The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.' Dr. Gordon is a radiation oncologist and the founder of the non-profit <a href="https://curecervicalcancer.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank">CureCervicalCancer</a>. After 27 years, Gordon left her private practice in 2014 to devote all her time to CureCervicalCancer. She takes no salary.
2021 CNN Hero Dr. Patricia Gordon speaks onstage during The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.' Dr. Gordon is a radiation oncologist and the founder of the non-profit CureCervicalCancer. After 27 years, Gordon left her private practice in 2014 to devote all her time to CureCervicalCancer. She takes no salary.
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2021 CNN Hero Zannah Mustapha accepts his award onstage. For more than a decade, Mustapha has devoted his life to providing hope and peace for children caught in the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency. Today, Mustapha and his staff educate more than 2,000 students from both sides of the conflict at the <a href="https://futureprowess.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Future Prowess Islamic Foundation School</a> in Maiduguri.
2021 CNN Hero Zannah Mustapha accepts his award onstage. For more than a decade, Mustapha has devoted his life to providing hope and peace for children caught in the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency. Today, Mustapha and his staff educate more than 2,000 students from both sides of the conflict at the Future Prowess Islamic Foundation School in Maiduguri.
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2021 CNN Hero David Flink accepts his award onstage from Kelly Ripa. Since 1998, <a href="https://eyetoeyenational.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Eye to Eye</a> has grown into a nationwide non-profit that pairs middle school children who have a learning difference with a college or high school mentor who also has a learning difference.
2021 CNN Hero David Flink accepts his award onstage from Kelly Ripa. Since 1998, Eye to Eye has grown into a nationwide non-profit that pairs middle school children who have a learning difference with a college or high school mentor who also has a learning difference.
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Gymnast Maggie Nichols is recognized during The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.' Nichols and other elite gymnasts testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September during a hearing about the FBI's handling of the sex abuse investigation of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
Gymnast Maggie Nichols is recognized during The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.' Nichols and other elite gymnasts testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September during a hearing about the FBI's handling of the sex abuse investigation of former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
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Actress and singer Lynda Carter introduces 2021 CNN Hero Michele Neff Hernandez. Her non-profit, <a href="https://soaringspirits.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Soaring Spirits</a>, connects widows and widowers, allowing them to heal in a community that understands the pain of losing a partner.
Actress and singer Lynda Carter introduces 2021 CNN Hero Michele Neff Hernandez. Her non-profit, Soaring Spirits, connects widows and widowers, allowing them to heal in a community that understands the pain of losing a partner.
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2021 CNN Hero Dr. Ala Stanford speaks onstage after accepting her award. Since April 2020, Dr. Ala Stanford's group, the <a href="https://blackdoctorsconsortium.com/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Black Doctors Covid-19 Consortium</a>, has brought testing and vaccines to more than 75,000 residents of Philadelphia's minority neighborhoods.
2021 CNN Hero Dr. Ala Stanford speaks onstage after accepting her award. Since April 2020, Dr. Ala Stanford's group, the Black Doctors Covid-19 Consortium, has brought testing and vaccines to more than 75,000 residents of Philadelphia's minority neighborhoods.
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In a pre-taped recording, Dr. Anthony Fauci introduces 2021 CNN Hero Dr. Ala Stanford during The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.'
In a pre-taped recording, Dr. Anthony Fauci introduces 2021 CNN Hero Dr. Ala Stanford during The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.'
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2021 Young Wonder Chelsea Phaire and Josh Groban pose backstage. On her 10th birthday, Chelsea asked her family and friends to give her art supplies to donate instead of presents. Her vision was to help children cope by expressing their feelings through art. That was the start of this 12-year-old's non-profit Chelsea's Charity.
2021 Young Wonder Chelsea Phaire and Josh Groban pose backstage. On her 10th birthday, Chelsea asked her family and friends to give her art supplies to donate instead of presents. Her vision was to help children cope by expressing their feelings through art. That was the start of this 12-year-old's non-profit Chelsea's Charity.
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2021 CNN Hero Jenifer Colpas accepts her award from presenter Rachel Zegler. In 2015, with the help of friends, Colpas co-founded <a href="https://tierragrata.org/en/home" target="_blank" target="_blank">Tierra Grata</a>. Today, the non-profit provides access to clean water, solar-powered lights and electricity along with eco-toilets and showers for remote rural communities throughout Colombia.
2021 CNN Hero Jenifer Colpas accepts her award from presenter Rachel Zegler. In 2015, with the help of friends, Colpas co-founded Tierra Grata. Today, the non-profit provides access to clean water, solar-powered lights and electricity along with eco-toilets and showers for remote rural communities throughout Colombia.
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2021 CNN Hero Lynda Doughty accepts her award onstage. Since 2011, her nonprofit, <a href="https://www.mmome.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Marine Mammals of Maine</a>, has provided response efforts, assistance and medical care for more than 3,000 marine animals.
2021 CNN Hero Lynda Doughty accepts her award onstage. Since 2011, her nonprofit, Marine Mammals of Maine, has provided response efforts, assistance and medical care for more than 3,000 marine animals.
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Audience members give a standing ovation to January 6th officers Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, Officer Daniel Hodges, Officer Michael Fanone, and Pfc. Harry Dunn, as they are recognized for their heroism.
Audience members give a standing ovation to January 6th officers Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, Officer Daniel Hodges, Officer Michael Fanone, and Pfc. Harry Dunn, as they are recognized for their heroism.
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2021 CNN Hero Hector Guadalupe speaks onstage after accepting his award from actor Christopher Meloni. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/20/us/fitness-training-coach-workout-prison-cnnheroes/index.html" target="_blank">Guadalupe's</a> non-profit, <a href="http://asecondufoundation.com/" target="_blank" target="_blank">A Second U Foundation</a>, helps formerly incarcerated men and women get certified as personal trainers and build careers in the fitness industry.
2021 CNN Hero Hector Guadalupe speaks onstage after accepting his award from actor Christopher Meloni. Guadalupe's non-profit, A Second U Foundation, helps formerly incarcerated men and women get certified as personal trainers and build careers in the fitness industry.
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2021 CNN Hero Made Janur Yasa speaks after accepting his award. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he started a program where local villagers in Bali could exchange plastic for rice -- a barter system that would benefit the environment and empower the local people. Residents can turn in plastic trash they collected in exchange for a main food staple. In May 2020, he hosted the first exchange in the village where he was born and raised. It was a success, and the concept quickly spread to other villages across Bali. His non-profit, <a href="https://plasticexchange.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank">Plastic Exchange</a>, was born.
2021 CNN Hero Made Janur Yasa speaks after accepting his award. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he started a program where local villagers in Bali could exchange plastic for rice -- a barter system that would benefit the environment and empower the local people. Residents can turn in plastic trash they collected in exchange for a main food staple. In May 2020, he hosted the first exchange in the village where he was born and raised. It was a success, and the concept quickly spread to other villages across Bali. His non-profit, Plastic Exchange, was born.
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2021 Young Wonder Jordan Mittler poses with Jon Batiste backstage. Mittler, who is 17 years old, realized there were senior citizens needing help acclimating to the world of technology. So, at 12, he decided to find and teach those who wanted to learn. That was the start of Mittler Senior Technology.
2021 Young Wonder Jordan Mittler poses with Jon Batiste backstage. Mittler, who is 17 years old, realized there were senior citizens needing help acclimating to the world of technology. So, at 12, he decided to find and teach those who wanted to learn. That was the start of Mittler Senior Technology.
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Jon Batiste introduces 2021 Young Wonder Jordan Mittler.
Jon Batiste introduces 2021 Young Wonder Jordan Mittler.
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2021 CNN Hero Shirley Raines accepts her award onstage.
2021 CNN Hero Shirley Raines accepts her award onstage.
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Niecy Nash speaks onstage prior to presenting CNN Hero Shirley Raines her award.
Niecy Nash speaks onstage prior to presenting CNN Hero Shirley Raines her award.
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Hosts Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa speak onstage.
Hosts Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa speak onstage.
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The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' ceremony is held at the American Museum of Natural History.
The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' ceremony is held at the American Museum of Natural History.
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From left, David Flink, Jenifer Colpas, Lynda Doughty, Michele Neff Hernandez, Shirley Raines, Made Janur Yasa, Zannah Mustapha, Dr. Ala Stanford, Dr. Patricia Gordon, and Hector Guadalupe, the 2021 CNN Top 10 Heroes, pose together prior to the ceremony.
From left, David Flink, Jenifer Colpas, Lynda Doughty, Michele Neff Hernandez, Shirley Raines, Made Janur Yasa, Zannah Mustapha, Dr. Ala Stanford, Dr. Patricia Gordon, and Hector Guadalupe, the 2021 CNN Top 10 Heroes, pose together prior to the ceremony.
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Musician Jon Batiste arrives on the red carpet. Batiste is set to present during the ceremony.
Musician Jon Batiste arrives on the red carpet. Batiste is set to present during the ceremony.
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2021 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/12/us/widows-grief-soaring-spirits-cnnheroes/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Hero Michele Neff Hernandez</a> attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' red carpet.
2021 CNN Hero Michele Neff Hernandez attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' red carpet.
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CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' red carpet.
CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' red carpet.
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2021 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/20/us/fitness-training-coach-workout-prison-cnnheroes/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Hero Hector Guadalupe</a> poses on the red carpet.
2021 CNN Hero Hector Guadalupe poses on the red carpet.
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Actress Lynda Carter arrives on the red carpet.
Actress Lynda Carter arrives on the red carpet.
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2021 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/05/us/maine-seals-marine-mammals-rescue-cnnheroes/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Hero Lynda Doughty</a> attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.'
2021 CNN Hero Lynda Doughty attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.'
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2021 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/12/world/nigeria-boko-haram-conflict-children-school-cnnheroes/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Hero Zannah Mustapha</a> arrives on the red carpet.
2021 CNN Hero Zannah Mustapha arrives on the red carpet.
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Actress Niecy Nash attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' red carpet.
Actress Niecy Nash attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' red carpet.
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2021 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/18/us/learning-disabilities-education-dyslexia-adhd-mentorship-cnnheroes/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Hero David Flink</a> arrives on the red carpet.
2021 CNN Hero David Flink arrives on the red carpet.
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CNN anchor Kate Bolduan attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' at the American Museum of Natural History.
CNN anchor Kate Bolduan attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' at the American Museum of Natural History.
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2021 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/09/health/cervical-cancer-treatment-sustainable-clinics-cnnheroes/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Hero Dr. Patricia Gordon</a> attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' at American Museum of Natural History.
2021 CNN Hero Dr. Patricia Gordon attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' at American Museum of Natural History.
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2021 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/24/health/philadelphia-black-doctors-covid-19-vaccination-cnnheroes/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Hero Dr. Ala Stanford</a> embraces 2021 Young Wonder Chelsea Phaire.
2021 CNN Hero Dr. Ala Stanford embraces 2021 Young Wonder Chelsea Phaire.
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2021 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/14/asia/bali-plastic-exchange-rice-environment-cnnheroes/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Hero Made Janur Yasa</a> attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.'
2021 CNN Hero Made Janur Yasa attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.'
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2021 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/17/us/los-angeles-covid-beauty-wellness-homeless-cnnheroes/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Hero Shirley Raines</a> arrives on the red carpet.
2021 CNN Hero Shirley Raines arrives on the red carpet.
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2021 Young Wonders Chelsea Phaire, left, and Jordan Mittler pose on the carpet.
2021 Young Wonders Chelsea Phaire, left, and Jordan Mittler pose on the carpet.
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2021 <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/23/americas/colombia-water-electricity-poverty-rural-communities-cnnheroes/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Hero Jenifer Colpas</a> attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.'
2021 CNN Hero Jenifer Colpas attends The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute.'
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Pfc. Harry Dunn arrives on the red carpet at The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' at the American Museum of Natural History on Sunday, December 12, in New York City.
Pfc. Harry Dunn arrives on the red carpet at The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' at the American Museum of Natural History on Sunday, December 12, in New York City.
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Actor Christopher Meloni arrives on the red carpet at The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' at the American Museum of Natural History on Sunday, December 12, in New York City. Meloni is one of the evening's celebrity presenters.
Actor Christopher Meloni arrives on the red carpet at The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' at the American Museum of Natural History on Sunday, December 12, in New York City. Meloni is one of the evening's celebrity presenters.
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From left, Officer Michael Fanone, Officer Daniel Hodges, Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, and Pfc. Harry Dunn attend The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' at the American Museum of Natural History on Sunday, December 12, in New York City.
From left, Officer Michael Fanone, Officer Daniel Hodges, Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, and Pfc. Harry Dunn attend The 15th Annual 'CNN Heroes: All-Star Tribute' at the American Museum of Natural History on Sunday, December 12, in New York City.
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