We asked folks to tell us about their favorite quote or affirmation and to tell us what it means to them. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Thiago Pego | Queer Activist | Event Producer

Having been raised in two very different countries (Brazil and the U.S.), and as a person who was deeply in need to find inclusive spaces, and not being able to find it. Read more>>

Jessica Elaine Blinkhorn | Artist, Activist, Curator, Educator, and Founder of SPANKBOX. ATL

SPANKBOX founder and curator is local interdisciplinary artist, activist, and educator, Jessica Elaine Blinkhorn. Blinkhorn refers to this project as her cathartic child. SPANKBOX was started after Blinkhorn began researching the incidences of sexual assault in the disabled community after her own in May of 2022. “I was floored by the numbers of sexual assaults in the disabled community. I thought, ‘why is no one talking about this?’ I truly believe that disability and sexuality should be talked about more openly and in an inclusive way. I can’t help but to think that if our community were allowed to be seen as dimensional people who are innately sexual, the number of assaults would not be as high. When you tell someone they can’t have something or wanting it is wrong you make it taboo, you make it sought after. People, sometimes, will stop at nothing to get what they want and when you objectify an entire community some people will not respect the individuals right to say ‘NO!’” Read more>>

KESHA NICHOLS | Advocate for Education for children with learning impartments, Author and Founder of Nonprofit

THE D.A.Z.E.Y. PROJECT was inspired by my nephew Champ who was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 8 years old. I became his greatest advocate, learning the right tools, and understanding how he learned. I realized that each child is unique and learns differently, I believed that every child with a learning impartment deserves an optimal education plan tailored to their requirements. So, that they may have a better education and live a life to their best potential. Read more>>

Lucretia Doyle | Practitioner/ Community Advocate/Musician

My business idea was a thought process to give back to the youth in the community through education. I wanted to honor my mother and I decided to provide scholarships to youth who were like me with an incarcerated parent currently or formerly. Read more>>

Brittine “Polo” Pierce | Professional painter & content creator

I came up with the idea behind my business by painting my own house one day and messing it up! Lol I’ve never picked up a paint brush a day in my life, this is why I feel like this is a God given talent/Gift! I wanted to add some life into my home so, an idea came to mind and said “paint your house” and that’s what I did the same exact day. I’m very proactive and if my mind is set on it, I’m going to do it. As I was painting it was soothing for me and actually fun! My mind was just focused on painting and doing a good job at it and here I am 7 years later! I’ve perfected my craft along the way and my hands are truly blessed. I just wanna continue to provide quality work with each job! Read more>>

Marian L Thomas | Author & Wife

Thank you for having me. My fictional book “Saving Raine” was born out of a fascination with the human spirit and its capacity to endure even the most painful circumstances. I wanted to explore the heart’s resilience when faced with betrayal and tragedy and the enduring power of love to heal wounds. The story was also inspired by the idea that sometimes, we run from our problems, but ultimately, we find the strength to confront them head-on. Read more>>