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

Jonathan “gus” Eid

In public I would say Buffy Summers, which is true. But, also true is that my mother is my hero. I’d never admit this to her, so sssh. I was raised by a single mother. While there were phases where my father was there, the constant in my life was always my mother. She raised two boys and worked countless jobs; restaurant worker, security guard, character at chidren’s parties. That last one really stuck in my mind. She and I laugh about one time, even at a young age, I was able to figure out she was the Big Bird character at a children’s party by the mysterious yellow feathers in our back seat.  Read more>>

Shari Berg

This is going to sound corny, but my mom is my hero. Growing up, we didn’t have much. My mom had even less when she was growing up and was determined to make sure my sister and I had the advantages she was denied. Despite our lack of resources, my mom always found a way to support the things that truly mattered.  One of my favorite stories is how she bought the saddle shoes my sister and I needed for cheerleading in elementary school. We had made the team (a proud moment for us because the competition was fierce) but wouldn’t be allowed to participate without the right uniforms, which included expensive saddle shoes. It would have crushed us if my mom had said we couldn’t join the team because we couldn’t afford the shoes. She knew we worked hard to earn our spots and what being part of the squad meant to us. Read more>>

Lindsay Neely

My hero would have to be my late mother, Cynthia Day Neely. She’s the inspiration behind Pink Fern and the reason it’s a truly magical space. She was a gifted artist who also happened to have a keen eye for design through secondhand shopping. Growing up, I would frequent garage sales and flea markets with her – where I first discovered the “thrill of the hunt”. My favorite was when we would visit my Aunt Sandra in Shreveport, LA to go antiquing. The antique shops always felt like an adventure to me, like stepping back in time. I adored the ornate details and quality of items made decades and even centuries ago. It made me wonder about the story behind the pieces and the homes they’d lived in before. It really instilled a sense of appreciation for things that are old or preloved and giving them a new life. Read more>>

Kacye Thompkins

Michael Neuble!! Growing up at West Angeles Church Of God In Christ, he would allow me to sit behind him and watch him play drums every Sunday! I learned so much from him. Watching and conversing with him. Learning how to play music with Feel and not Fill. How to play as a band and not just yourself! He’s an LA Legend to me and has played on so many Gospel Records. As I grew older, I understood why. I was 7 or 8 years old when I first played drums there. I remember one night service, he went to the restroom knowing music would be played lol I hopped on the kit and my nerves were through the roof lol But it was Green Light from there! As a Kid, that was the craziest moment of my life lol He’s my biggest influence when it comes to Drums and I’ll always make sure people hear that! You hear it in my playing as well. I took a lot of his grooves lol Just my #1 Drummer Read more>>