HOMAGE - LEYMAH GBOWEE

WHEN IT WASN'T POPULAR

Since 1998 Visionaries lead the way and show others that it can be done on a very grassroots level. ​ International Liberian activist, Leymah Gbowee is best known for her powerful ability to have brought together women from the Christian and Muslim faith to peacefully protest and overcome the hostile and violent Liberian civil war. ​ After finishing high school and being trained as a trauma-informed counselor, she joined the Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET) and quickly became an influential leader. Through this influence, Leymah was able to organize women from all ethnic backgrounds, which gained the attention of Liberia's president and other prominent leaders'. Through Leymah's boldness, organizing, protesting, and persistence, where she was able to finally see the day that the civil war that once was, was no more. ​ Leymah did what people told her she couldn't do as an African woman. She reached heights that people said to her that she couldn't reach.

Leymah is a 2011 noble peace prize winner and the recipient of many other prestigious awards. In addition to her awards, her film "Pray the Devil Back to Hell" which documented her fight against the violence in Liberia has gotten recognized from many credible film festivals around the world. We call Leymah Gbowee a visionary and leader as she changed the entire course of a country through her passion and grassroots organizing.

TODAY

WE PAY HOMAGE TO LEYMAH GBOWEE

HOMAGE - TYLER PERRY

WHEN IT WASN'T POPULAR

Since 1992 Visionaries lead the way and show others that it can be done on a very grassroots level. ​ Tyler Perry, a man of strength, a man of great persistence, and most important, a man of faith - showed the world that when all odds are front and center, one can overcome and become a modern day film and television icon. Amidst poverty and homelessness, Tyler Perry would write his first play "I Know I've Been Changed" a play, that would ultimately change his life. And, it was through this play that gave him great agency to succeed and conquer theater all the way to the Hollywood big screen. And, though there were many set-backs, he used these roadblocks to fuel the passion, and the writings to many of his movies that are revered today. ​ Currently, you can find Tyler Perry writing and directing his original films, television shows, and content at the Tyler Perry Studios, which is one of the largest production studios in the world. And, did we mention, it's his? We call Tyler Perry a leader, a visionary and role model, as he has clearly shown to the world that opportunity and success can be created on your own terms and without a co-sign.

TODAY

WE PAY HOMAGE TO #TYLERPERRY

HOMAGE - THE WAYANS

(L to R) Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Kim Wayans, Damon Wayans, Keenan Ivory Wayans

WHEN IT WASN'T POPULAR

Since the 90's ​ Visionaries lead the way and show others that it can be done on a very grassroots level. The Wayans family carved out a lane that most thought would have been impossible for a Black family from New York City to create. Not only did they carve out a lane, they dominated this lane. This lane? The Wayans lane. From creating feature films to sketch comedy, there was noting that this multifaceted family didn't excel in. I'm Gonna Git You Sucka Mo Money In Living Color A Low Down Dirty Shame Blankman Major Payne Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking - Your Juice in the Hood White Chicks Little Man Dance Flick The Wayans Bros Thugaboo Scary Movie Second Generation Wayans and more... ​ Their work speak for itself. ​ Together this family didn't wait for just a seat at the table, they created their own table. ​ We call them legendary as they showed us what unity, talent and strength can produce. What was produced? Greatness. ​

TODAY

WE PAY HOMAGE TO KEENAN, DAMON, KIM, MARLON, SHAWN & THE ENTIRE WAYANS FAMILY