We asked some very thoughtful members of our community to reflect on what they’ve learned from their heroes.

Son Chau

I started playing guitar when I was 14, and I can remember the moment that it clicked in my head that that’s what I wanted to do with my life. I was watch MTV in my room when the music video for “Into the Night” by Carlos Santana came on and I remember feeling so euphoric as I’m listening to the song; suffice to say I was obsessed with that song for a good while, anytime it comes on TV I would immediately drop everything and go listen to it. Read more>>

Yancia clay

My Hero is my brother Lamar Hughes who passed away on September 5, 2010 he was just 16 years old the reason I call him a hero is because he has help me believe that I can and will do great things for my future he believed in me and made me feel like I was just too good for certain things even if you have to live in a touch community til this day his life has a big impact on my future he is the reason I get up and find excitement in the littlest things like going to the garden Read more>>

Blue Stiley

The most influential and impactful person I ever met was my “Sensei” or martial arts instructor, Robey R. Reed. He was a Tech sgt in the U.S. Airforce and martial arts instructor in my hometown of Spokane WA. Growing up with the name Blue, in the late 70’s and early 80’s was awful and I got picked on, made fun of and bullied all the time. So much so, my parents put me into martial arts and introduced me to the man that would change the trajectory of my life. Read more>>

Kathleen Haley

My hero is undoubtedly my mother. Her unwavering strength, resilience, and boundless support have been a guiding light throughout my life. Despite facing significant challenges, including poverty and difficult family situations, she maintained an unwavering love for me and those around her. Her ability to help others, even in the midst of her own hardships, has been a constant source of inspiration. Read more>>