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

Shameka Jackson

I would say my mom is my hero. Even though she is not present with us today, the life she lived and the fight she had still speaks today. My mom showed me what strength looks like. I learned from her that I still have to show up for not only God but for myself, even in those moments I may not feel like it. Read more>>

Elizabeth Choto

My biggest heroes are my parents. From as far back as I can remember, they both imparted a sense of entrepreneurship and a love of planting and growing food that I still carry with me today. From growing small-scale vegetables and fruit that were enough to feed more than our immediate family, to large-scale mono-crop plantings like corn and sweet potatoes, there was always something growing and we were always learning about how every plant, vegetable, and fruit could nourish us and provide for us by selling the surplus. Read more>>

Luke Lewis

I would have to choose my mother as a hero because not only was she all I had growing up, but she followed her dreams of becoming a professional photographer. When I was 12 my mom had sold 85% of our belongings so that we could move from Pennsylvania to California for a better life. She worked hard at lots of dead-end jobs to support me and her dreams of becoming a photographer. Read more>>