Get Inspired

“Nina Simone”
Eunice Waymon grew up in a household filled with gospel. Her mother, a minister, recognized her musical talent early on, encouraging her piano skills despite not approving of nonreligious music like blues and jazz.Graduating as valedictorian of her high school class, Her academic success earned her a scholarship to Juilliard School in New York City. However, financial struggles led her to leave Juilliard early. She continued to pursue her passion, preparing diligently for the entrance exam to the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Despite her talent, she faced rejection... Read more...
“HeLa Cells”
In 1951, Henrietta Lacks, a young mother of five, sought medical attention at The Johns Hopkins Hospital due to vaginal bleeding. There, Dr. Howard Jones, a gynecologist, discovered a malignant tumor on her cervix. At the time, Johns Hopkins was among the few hospitals that provided medical care for impoverished African-Americans when few others would.To combat her cervical cancer, Mrs. Lacks underwent radium treatments, the best therapy available at the time. Unknown to her, researchers took samples of her tumor during these treatments, without her consent or knowledge.One researcher at... Read more...
“Kobe Bryant”
In 1984, Joe Bryant’s post-NBA career led his family to Italy, where he pursued opportunities in the Italian League. This relocation marked a significant chapter for his son Kobe Bryant, who later emerged as a basketball prodigy at Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia. Kobe led his high school team to four consecutive state championships.Kobe’s decision to forego college and enter the NBA directly was a bold move. Drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. At just 19, Kobe made history as... Read more...
“Quincy Jones”
Quincy Jones, born on the south side of Chicago, discovered his passion for music during his elementary school years. Experimenting with various instruments in his school band, he eventually found his calling with the trumpet. In his early teens, Quincy met Ray Charles. Together, they formed a group and began performing at small club venues and weddings.At the age of 18, Quincy received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston. However, he abandoned his studies when he received an offer to tour with bandleader Lionel Hampton. Settling in... Read more...
“Bryan Stevenson”
Bryan Stevenson’s early schooling took place in a racially segregated environment. He was among the first generation of African Americans in his state to witness legalized integration in public schools.In 1981, Stevenson continued his academic journey at Harvard University, where he pursued a dual degree program encompassing law and public policy at Harvard Law School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government. It was during his tenure at Harvard that Stevenson uncovered his professional calling of practicing law.During his second year, Stevenson seized an opportunity to intern with the... Read more...
“Solange Knowles”
Solange Knowles began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age, serving as a backup dancer for Destiny’s Child at 13. Managed by her father, Solange signed with Music World Entertainment at 16, collaborating with artists like Lil’ Romeo and Kelly Rowland in 2002.Her debut album, “Solo Star,” was released in 2003, showcasing her vocal abilities and songwriting skills. She also wrote songs for her sister Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child.In 2015, Solange released “Rise,” a single inspired by the police killings in Ferguson... Read more...
“Angela Davis”
Angela Davis, born in Birmingham, Alabama, grew up in a middle-class neighborhood known as “Dynamite Hill,” where many African American homes were bombed by the Ku Klux Klan.She earned a scholarship to study French Literature at Brandeis University in Massachusetts and later completed a PhD in philosophy in Germany. When she returned to the United States, she became involved in the civil rights movement, aligning herself with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Black Panther Party. She believed racism and capitalism were dangers to American justice.In 1969, Angela became... Read more...
“Aisha Bowe”
Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and CEO of STEMBoard, was advised in high school to become a cosmetologist, but instead, she pursued her passion for STEM by taking a pre-algebra class at community college. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and a Master’s degree in Space Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan, where she also worked as an intern and mission engineer at NASA.After graduating with her Master’s in 2009, Bowe continued working for NASA as an aerospace engineer for over five years. In 2013,... Read more...
“Salehe Bembury”
Salehe Bembury, born in Tribeca, New York, developed a passion for sneakers and fashion that ultimately led him to pursue a degree in design at Syracuse University. His journey in the footwear industry began as a designer for Payless Shoe Source. In 2011, he joined Cole Haan’s innovation team, where he gained recognition for creating the LunarGrand silhouette, a unique fusion of classic wingtips and Nike soles.In 2015, Bembury took a bold step by reaching out to Kanye West’s YEEZY team via email. This initiative resulted in an invitation to... Read more...
"Ava"
Ava DuVernay, was born in Long Beach, California, and raised near Compton with her family. She did not pick up a camera until the age of 32.After completing high school, DuVernay pursued her education at UCLA, earning degrees in English and African American studies. Her initial interest in broadcast journalism led her to intern at CBS News during the O.J. Simpson trial, where she found herself assigned to watch the home of a jury member. Shifting gears, she entered the publicity industry and eventually established her own public relations company,... Read more...
"The Reebok S. Carter"
In 2003, After failing to sign Lebron James reebok had to pivot and come up with a new strategy to connect with young urban consumers.Shawn Corey Carter, known professionally as Jay-Z was one of the best rappers heading into 2003. He recently dropped "The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse" moving 545,000 copies in its first week.Reebok signed Jay-Z to a multi-year endorsement deal, and on April 18th, 2003, they released his own signature shoe, the S.Carter, nationwide. The shoe was modeled after the Gucci Tennis '84, a status... Read more...
"Black Panther Breakfast Program"
In 1966, Huey Newton and Bobby Seale co-founded the Black Panther Party in Oakland, California. One of the most impactful initiatives of the Black Panther Party was the Free Breakfast for Children Program, which began in January 1969 at an Episcopal church in Oakland. It addressed a crucial need as many of these children had never had breakfast before. The Free Breakfast for Children Program was a simple yet powerful concept. At its peak, the program operated in at least 45 locations, providing daily meals to thousands of children.The Black... Read more...