Even if you are from the same neighborhood as someone else, you might still be coming from different places. Where you are from is a complicated question and it elicits complicated, but interesting and thought-provoking responses. We’ve shared some of those responses below.

Shakita (Ki Shot It) Alford | Photographer/Videographer

I was born and raised in Atlanta,Ga. I grew up on the west side of Atlanta, in the Pittsburgh Community. The west side is an historic area, but it is also known for being a low poverty stricken area with increase criminal activities. Growing up I was always surrounded by love, whether it be family or friend, but where there’s good there’s also bad. Even though I was constantly surrounded by people who showed great amounts of love, there was some who wasn’t great role models at all. I was always taught to learn as much as I could and get out (as my grandmother would say). And I wanted to do just that. Learn as much as I could so I could be and do whatever I set my mind to. My mother always made sure that me and my big sister stayed focused, especially me being a black female with a chronic illness as well. Read more>>

Roy Pope, Ph.D. | CEO and Founder, EdGuru Inc.

I am originally from a small town in an impoverished area of Mississippi. My mother instilled in, all of us, the value of education and hard work. That strong background of hardwork and my passion for education is what drives me to always try to gove back. Read more>>

Kailyn McBride | Writer & Author

I’m proudly from Trenton, New Jersey. Growing up in Trenton taught me resilience and determination. The city has faced its fair share of challenges over the years, but the Trenton community has always shown remarkable strength in overcoming adversity. This spirit of perseverance instilled in me a drive to pursue my dreams relentlessly, even in the face of obstacles, and the city’s history, its people, and their stories became the foundation for my storytelling. Growing up, my parents ensured my sister, Lauren, and I had everything we needed despite our surroundings. Trenton is a place where diamonds grow in the “rough’” and I’m happy that I grew up the way that I have, as it also showed me that it doesn’t matter where you come from if you have people who care about you and who lift you when you’re down, you can be anything you want to be. Read more>>