MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Black leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest.
Profiles of these leaders will be published leading up to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Mohamed Sanusie TraoreSebastian Restrepo
Mohamed Sanusie Traore
Age: 42
Community: Quincy
His story: Mohamed Sanusie Traore — also known as the “Uber Hero” — is known for rescuing a mother and daughter who were trapped in a car after it crashed in Revere in September 2022. He was working as an Uber driver when it happened.
Traore was driving along Squire Road on his way to Logan Airport when saw the car flip onto its side, WBZ-TV reported at the time. He pulled over and soon heard a woman screaming for help. She was trying to open one of the car’s doors to escape, but was unable to, so he lifted it for her.
It was then that Traore noticed that the woman’s young daughter was also trying to escape, the news station reported. He called for help, but no one came, so he lifted the door with one hand and pulled the girl out with the other.
Less than a minute after Traore freed the mother and daughter from the car, it burst into flames, he told MassLive. All the while, onlookers were filming the scene with their phones.
The feeling of saving human lives was transformative for Traore. He considers it a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of his life.
“That event inspired me to become an agent of change, reminding us all about the power of human connections and compassion,” he wrote.
Now, Traore works to educate the public — especially young people — about what’s known as the “bystander effect.” The Encyclopedia Brittanica describes it as the “inhibiting influence of the presence of others on a person’s willingness to help someone in need.”
“Research has shown that, even in an emergency, a bystander is less likely to extend help when he or she is in the real or imagined presence of others than when he or she is alone,” according to the Encyclopedia.
Traore wants people to think of helping others first when they see a dangerous situation — even if that just means calling 911.
“When you see someone in trouble, instead of filming or ignoring them, ask yourself what can you do to help,” he wrote.
Originally from Guinea in West Africa, Traore credits his parents for his selfless actions during the crash.
“Their legacy of empathy and compassion guides every step of my path, offering care and support to those who cross my path,” he wrote.
In his words: “Life is the only gift that, once it is taken away, you can never have it again. If you save one life, it’s like you have saved every human being’s life.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
