Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Zaïe

I’m from Atlanta, GA and growing up here definitely impacted my life as a whole because although I faced many challenges and hardships I also feel like being in the city allowed me more opportunities at a young age than most people in small towns or rural areas. I have overcome many obstacles throughout my 23 years of life. Read more>> 

doe times | founder of Silent Book Club Decatur chapter

I always like to start with this question about a person’s background because one’s positionality impacts all that they do. I’m from Ewa Beach, Hawai’i, which is a town located on the island of O’ahu. Growing up, my mother read to my sister and I every night, and we kept many books in the house. Read more>>

Jordan Hendrix | Rapper, Actor & songwriter

Fort Lauderdale, FL is my hometown. I moved frequently between GA and FL. Florida made me feel safe and seen. While Georgia tested my comfortability. I felt out of place but slowly grew into a new perspective. How i experienced parties, life, people & Muisc. Changed for the better. But Florida will always keep me grounded and brings me serenity. Read more>>

Karen Clark-Green | Actor/Singer/Choreographer

I was born in .warren, Ohio in 1950. A time where a black child in a white word of performing arts was a phenomenon. I grew up in a white/black Italian neighborhood where we were all family. My family was a baseball family and then there was me! Read more>>

Toni Bellon | Author

I grew up out West, the daughter of two teachers. The expectation to help children was constantly reinforced at our house. So, I became an educator. I tell people that I spread the idea of Middle School. Every time we moved the district was beginning to work on a Middle School Model. I’d help get it started and then move again. Read more>>

Charvin Clark | Actor & Comedian

I’m from a small town called Fayette, MS. . I grew up in Martin Luther King projects. At that time, all I had where my dreams and nothing else. While playing with friends at a young age I knew that I wanted more than what I was looking at. I wanted to be somebody.  Read more>>

AnJanee Polk | CEO of Elite Taxes and Business Services, Inc.

Good day, my name is AnJanee’ Polk; CEO of Elite Taxes and Business Services, Inc. I am a true Cali girl, originally from Pasadena, California. I was raised by my resilient mother and guided by my fearless father. In my childhood home, I was the oldest of 3 siblings but would be remiss if I didn’t mention also having an older brother and another younger sister. Read more>>