CNN's Champions for Change Offers Stories of Inspiration and Hope

CNN Anchors Revisit Stories That Had A Lasting Impact in Network-wide Series

Champions for Change Begings Monday, May 13th Across CNN Programming with a One-Hour Special Hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta Airing on Saturday, May 18th at 8pm ET.

May 10, 2019

Beginning on Monday, May 13th, CNN will air Champions for Change, a week-long special event that features CNN journalists revisiting stories and people that have had a lasting impact on them.

Anchors Brooke Baldwin, John Berman, Kate Bolduan, Erin Burnett, Alisyn Camerota, Anderson Cooper, Chris Cuomo, Dr. Sanjay Gupta Poppy Harlow, Don Lemon, Jim Sciutto, and Bill Weir, return to highlight the stories and people who continue to change their communities and the lives of others.

Champions for Change will air as individual segments across CNN programming throughout the week, culminating in a one-hour, prime-time special highlighting the series' best moments, hosted by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on Saturday, May 18th at 8pm ET.

Below are highlights from the series.

Brooke Baldwin

His name is Michael Render, but the rapper is best known by his stage name, Killer Mike. The larger-than-life performer rose to prominence weighing in on police, race and activism in his songs. But CNN's Brooke Baldwin got a more intimate take on Killer Mike as he discussed those topics at his Atlanta barbershop. Brooke Baldwin first met Killer Mike in 2014, shortly after the police shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. The rapper had strong words about society and race relations at the time. Now Brooke explores how Killer Mike's perspective has changed -and stayed the same- in the years since their first interview. (Monday, May 13th)

John Berman

When CNN's John Berman first met the Young@Heart Chorus in 2008, the remarkable group of senior citizens was bringing worldwide audiences to their feet. The chorus members - ranging from 75-90 years young - break all the rules, belting out the most surprising range of rock-n-roll hits. Today, they go even further: their collaboration with young prison inmates spreads the message that life can be fulfilling whatever the obstacles. (Tuesday, May 14th)

Kate Bolduan

CNN's Kate Bolduan returns to the South Side of Chicago where almost a decade ago she met a woman fighting to save her community. Diane Latiker's neighborhood was reeling from gun violence that turned street corner after street corner into makeshift memorials. Diane felt compelled to listen to the plight of young black men and women in her area, and eventually, to act. She sold her TV purchased two computers and opened her home to kids needing homework help. As five kids grew into thousands, she realized just how much her community needs her, and according to Diane, how much she needs them. (Tuesday, May 14th)

Erin Burnett

Erin Burnett returns to St. John's Baptist Church in Far Rockaway, New York, almost seven years after it was nearly destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. Located less than half a mile from the Atlantic Ocean, the church was under six feet of water and almost forced to permanently close. Erin speaks to Pastor JD Williams and his congregation about the support they received after their story was featured on Erin Burnett OutFront and the progress they have made. Pastor Williams led the effort to rebuild the church, which has become a symbol of the community's survival and recovery. (Thursday, May 16th)

Alisyn Camerota

Alisyn Camerota reconnects with two compelling voices that emerged from the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. David Hogg and his sister Lauren had just survived the attack and were reeling from the loss of several friends when Alisyn Camerota conducted a stunning interview with them. Their words struck a nerve. The Hoggs quickly became key figures in the national reaction to the attack that killed 17 students and teachers. Since Alisyn first met the siblings, their resolve and influence have only grown. Alisyn explores Lauren and David's rise as political and cultural forces. She also shares intimate details about the ways covering the shooting impacted her personally. (Monday, May 13th)

Anderson Cooper

In 2011, journalist Tim Hetherington was killed in a mortar attack in Libya. He was doing what he loved, covering conflict zones and telling the stories of the people affected by war. Tim was Anderson Cooper's friend. They worked together in Afghanistan just a few years before he was killed. Tim's death inspired fellow journalist and friend Sebastian Junger to start a foundation that trains journalists to stay safe in war zones. Anderson and Sebastian sit down to talk about Tim's life, his legacy, and the dangers journalists face around the world. (Monday, May 13th)

Chris Cuomo

Almost twenty years ago, as a reporter for Good Morning America, Chris Cuomo met Mattie Stepanek, a little boy-poet fighting a rare and devastating disease. Mattie's message of peace and hope after 9/11 earned him a following around the world. Cuomo and Mattie developed a special bond. After his passing, Cuomo says he almost quit journalism. Fifteen years after the boy's death, he reunites with Mattie's mother Jeni, who works tirelessly to advance her son's legacy as chief peace officer of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation. (Tuesday, May 14th)

Dr. Sanjay Gupta

In 2000, Kevin Hines tried to end his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. He miraculously survived and returned to the iconic San Francisco landmark in 2003 with CNN Chief Medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, to open up about his struggle with mental illness. Kevin has since dedicated his life to suicide prevention, traveling the country to encourage anyone and everyone who is suffering brain pain that it's always better to #BeHereTomorrow. (Wednesday, May 15th on AC360)

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