So often mission and purpose driven folks have fascinating stories about where they draw their inspiration from. Often it’s a historical figure and so we’ve highlighted some of those conversations around historical figures and what some of the best and brightest have learned from them.

Rob Fannin

One of the most challenging things creatives face is being true to our own creativity. I was introduced to my historical leaders early on my journey as an artist. These introductions took place first in museums then later in art history class. I didn’t realize at the time artists, Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh would become my personal creativity compass. Read more>>

Adrienne Carrington

Ever since I was little, one of my biggest inspirations and role models was the late Maya Angelou. The way she took all of her pain and trauma, and found a way to express it through writing is what I’ve always aspired to do. Like her, I write from a personal place; one full of dark and quiet spots in my mind. But I’ve found that talking and writing about it, as hard as it is, is a vital part of the healing process. Read more>>

Angela Majette

I admire Charles Hamilton Houston, Esq., May Lou Allison Gardner Little, and Malcolm X and their works and philosophies inspire me to have the courage of my convictions. All three led by example and demonstrated their understanding of the importance of group economics to the progress of Black Americans. Read more>>

Charity Craig

People have used Walt Disney as a model dreamer to shout, Dream bigger! Achieve big goals! These messages of building castles in the sky leave us wishing we were living someone else’s life somewhere else. If only I could live that magical life, I’d be happy and have a purpose. Except, Walt Disney didn’t set out to be, well, Walt Disney. His dream wasn’t to create a cartoon mouse that would catapult him into stardom. He had one simple goal for his life — to be an artist. Read more>>