Monday, Apr. 04, 2011
Geoffrey Canada
Age: 59
Occupation: Educator
Previous TIME 100 appearances: 0
Lost in the ongoing debate over how best to improve America's struggling schools is the recognition of folks who have already improved education standards for thousands of struggling kids. As president and CEO of the Harlem Children's Zone, Canada has expanded a network of education, health care and social services to more than 10,000 children in impoverished areas of New York City. Canada, profiled in 2010's controversial documentary Waiting for "Superman," is the main proponent of the idea that all children are capable of performing well, regardless of race, income or background, and is helping break a generations-long cycle of poverty.