Occupation: Tour guide/Artist
City of Birth: West Palm Beach
Current Location: Chicago
Age: 60

What does it mean to be Black?
When I think of being Black the first word comes to my mind is strength. Being Black requires me to persevere no matter what difficulties I face. I was born in the south 1961. My mother raised up me and my siblings with an eight-grade education. She was forced to quit school to help her family in the cotton field. Yet, she taught me that you must stay ahead of the “norm” system because I am Black and a female.

Being Black I learned from everyday life and home no one owes you nothing. I look at African Americans challenges before me. I am inspired daily by their perseverance. Their strength to prevail over racism, low paying jobs, it did not stop them from the dream to want better for their families. With hard work, education, standing together as a community it was the principles used to reach the destiny to being Black.

What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?
Most of my act of kindness I received was through faith and wisdom. The one act of kindness I can’t and never will forget was a neighbor open her home to me and my three children in 1987 after leaving an abusive marriage.

What makes a person strong?
What makes a person strong is experiences. The good and the bad. The journey to move forward, trust, and believe in oneself.

If you could give any advice or words of encouragement, what would it be?
The best advice is to learn forgiveness. Holding on to negative energy stresses you. Do not live your life wishing harm to those who cause you harm. Learn to encourage yourself. Do not allow people to defined who you are. I have often been told by others I care too much. Everything needs balance to be effective. So, don't care so much that you lose yourself. Caring for others during my struggles gave me the strength to move forward. It took my mind off my problems. Giving of yourself to others releases an experience that I can’t explain. It is something you will have to experience to understand.

Occupation: Black Owned Entrepreneur
City of Birth: Laurel, Miss
Current Location: Gary, IN
Age: 57

What does it mean to be Black?
It means being dark-skinned or color of person. Pride and empowerment we're smart we're educated. Struggle to survive in this Racist country. We have dreams to overcome. Goals.

What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?
Assisting elderly at a nursing home.

What makes a person strong?
Strength, dedication, challenges, and good habits.

If you could give any advice or words of encouragement, what would it be?
Have faith, Conceive, Believe & Achieve there's no limitations.

Occupation: CEO/President
City of Birth: Dayton, OH
Current Location: Dayton, OH
Age: 56

What does it mean to be Black?
To be BLACK Means NOTHING BUT to be seen as being black means others may hate you even if they don't know you, they believe your Inadequate, poor, undeserved, unable to be educated, a threat, a drug dealer, a babies momma, I could continue with this list but I'll stop.

What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?
Act of kindness: helping a single mother find her true worth in herself and in her children.

What makes a person strong?
What makes a person strong is knowing that the Most High GOD continues to cover you.

If you could give any advice or words of encouragement, what would it be?
Stay strong even when facing adversities, believe that you do matter, it's okay to not know the answers, LOVE is an action word NOT A FEELING and FOCUS on RIGHT NOW AT THIS MOMENT BECAUSE I NEED YOU AND LOVE YOU ❤️

Occupation: President & CEO
City of Birth: Clarksdale
Current Location: Illinois
Age: 52

What does it mean to be Black?
Being born in a race that's filled with creative pioneers that paved to way and led society into becoming the true geniuses of today.

What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?
Someone shared with me their last.

What makes a person strong?
Being humble and appreciative.

If you could give any advice or words of encouragement, what would it be?
To always remember that we all had to start from the bottom to become the great person you are today.

Occupation: Actress/ filmmaker/ Business Owner
City of Birth: Fairburn, GA
Current Location:
Age: 56

What does it mean to be Black?
Unapologetically my unique self, without limitations and Proud by celebrating the skin I'm in.

What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?
A friend sat with me and listened; while I was dealing with depression and literally wiped my tears because I didn't have the strength.

It empowered me, because I knew when I was weak others would be there and I didn't have to do everything on my own.

What makes a person strong?
Acknowledging and identifying your weaknesses.

If you could give any advice or words of encouragement, what would it be?
Push through Any pain to get to your purpose.

PROFESSION: Social Media Coordinator

DOB: 07/27/2007

WHAT DOES "BEING INNOVATIVE" MEAN TO YOU?

Being innovative means to come up with new ideas and concepts that have never been imagined in a way that inspires other.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE GREAT LEADERSHIP?

I would describe great leadership as permanent. Once the time for leadership has concluded one will still look up to them as an inspiring figure and a role model.

WHAT IS THE MOST SENSIBLE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN?

“Don’t figure out life, just live it” -Maggie Hahn

WHAT CURRENTLY MOTIVATES YOU?

My current motivation comes from what I can do to help others. If doing an action does not harm me and benefits another, I will do my best to carry it out.

WHAT GETS YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF NORTHWEST INDIANA? The youth in NWI make me excited for its future. There are so many inspiring young minds being molded and I can’t wait to see how they will affect they world around them.