Public interest lobbyist Pam Shaw was born in Vicksburg and grew up during a time of racial and economic tension.

Attorney and activist June Hardwick grew up surrounded by educators and learned as a child the importance of learning.

Chokwe Lumumba is an attorney, city councilman and leader of the New Afrikan People’s Organization.

Davetta serves as an attorney in Mississippi and the Executive Director for the Access to Justice Commission, and Johnathan is the owner of Mississippi Products, Inc. 

Jason is an MC, as well as a Co-Owner of Fahrenheight Creative Group and 106 Lounge. 

Although Def Jam recording artist Big K.R.I.T. started his career as a teenager, he decided early on he was going to finish school.

Geraldine Brookins serves as president of Changing Dynamics, a management consulting firm in Jackson, Miss.

Jackson-born artist Skipp barely graduated high school with a 1.4 grade point average. After a push from his mother, he enrolled in college and began to realize his abilities. He explains that education “separates average men from great ones.”

Gloria Dickerson is the founder and CEO of “We Together Creating Change,” an organization committed to making sure children are successful.