Bed-Stuy Teen In The Running For TIME's 'Kid Of The Year'

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — Brooklynites might just see a neighbor from Bed-Stuy on the cover of their TIME magazine this year.

Bed-Stuy teenager Samirah Horton, better known by her stage name DJ Annie Red, is in the running to become 2021's TIME "Kid of the Year," an award given out by the magazine and Nickelodeon to young leaders making a difference.

Horton, 13, is up against four other finalists for the title, which will be announced on Nickelodeon on Feb. 9.

The award would be far from the first recognition for the young DJ, who has performed as the Brooklyn Nets' "kid resident DJ."

Horton has also written a book, "The Bully Stop," and speaks at schools or other venues about standing up to bullying, which she says has inspired her music.

“You’re never too young to make a change,” Horton told TIME in a profile.

Horton began rapping at 6 years old after she was bullied for her deep voice, according to the profile.

She has since won the Danny Glover Power of Dreams Music Award and recognition from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. Horton serves now as a Global Ambassador for the Unstoppable Girls Foundation.

Should she win "Kid of the Year," Horton will be featured on the cover of TIME and in additional coverage in TIME For Kids. The five finalists were chosen from months of nominations of kids 8 to 16 for the award.

"Each of the finalists will receive funds to further their respective causes and serve as a TIME For Kids Kid Reporter, with exclusive access to a Nickelodeon event," according to the outlet.

Find out more about Horton and the other Kid of the Year finalists here.