Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread are proud to present the 2022 Black History Makers of Alabama supported by Sealy Furniture Outlet, Twelve25 Sports Bar & Entertainment Venue, and Red Oak Credit Union.

The Yellowhammer State is filled with great African American leaders from the past, present, and future. We thank our West Alabama community partners, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Delta Phi Lambda Chapter, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Xi Omega Chapter for their continued support.

"Only once we learn to have mutual respect of each other’s background and cultural experience, only then can we have unity." - Jessica Dunnigan

Jessica Dunnigan is a Black History Maker of Alabama

Alabama native and University of Alabama alumna Jessica Dunnigan is a shining example of Black Excellence. She is from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and has a degree in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Alabama.

In 2018, she started her business, Fearlessly Fit, to change the way people view fitness. Health is a passion. She created Fearlessly Fit to be more than a name but a lifestyle. You can find her on Instagram inspiring us all. She feels that her fitness training goes beyond the physical aspect but aims to reach the “heart, mind and soul of all her clients.”

Her mission is to use fitness as a pathway to empower people of all ages and fitness levels. She believes that every person deserves to feel healthy and confident. She says that “when you are healthy, confident, and loving yourself, you will truly be fearless in everything you do.”

As Heart disease and diabetes run high in the black community, Dunnigan wants to encourage women of any race, especially African Americans, to take advantage of health and wellness. She notes that “we must first start with ourselves and then teach the younger generation the importance of proper eating habits and physical activity.”

Jessica radiates fearlessness.

In addition to her skills as a trainer, she is also an athlete. She is a bodybuilder and competes in the figure and the fitness division. She recently received her International Federation of Body Building and Fitness pro card in July. This means that having your pro card is an honor in the bodybuilding arena in the bodybuilding world.

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Dunnigan says that the “pro card proves you have put in the time and work in the sport. It’s almost like saying you paid your dues and permits you to compete with the best of the best at a professional level.”

Dunnigan received her professional bodybuilder PROcard in the summer of 2021. On tap this year, she is starring in an action film called “Fearless” that will be featured at the Bama Theatre on April 8, 2022. Jessica plays a lab scientist who invents a device that gives her extraordinary abilities. In addition, her next competition will be in Puerto Rico in June 2022.

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

 

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