In honor of Black History Month, An Achievable Dream launched the #InspiringHope series to recognize our alumni, historical Black pioneers in education, and other public figures who continue to shape history through their societal contributions. In this series, we are highlighting: Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Shukita Massey, Portia Cameron, Calvin Malone, and Amanda Gorman.
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was an educator, civil rights pioneer and activist, champion of African American women’s rights and advancement, and founder of Bethune-Cookman University. Through her legacy, Dr. Bethune continues to inspire us and #inspirehope through her tireless dedication to education and her courage to change old ideas and shape a better future.
We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.
– Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune
Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is the Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research at Harvard University. He is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker, literary scholar, and journalist. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., inspires hope through his quest for knowledge and justice for marginalized communities.
No human culture is inaccessible to someone who makes the effort to understand, to learn, to inhabit another world.
– Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Shukita Massey
After graduating from AAD in 2001, Shukita Massey attended Mary Baldwin College and the College of William and Mary School of Law. Shukita is the Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Hampton. She is also a published author of the children’s book, “Oh, Parker!” Shukita is #inspiringhope by helping others navigate life’s challenges daily.
I love my career because it allows me to meet people from all walks of life and assist them through challenging circumstances.
– Shukita Massey
Portia Cameron
Portia Cameron graduated from An Achievable Dream in 2003 and currently serves as the Director of Student Affairs at Legends Charter School in Maryland. In her role, she creates and cultivates engaging, inspiring, and challenging learning environments by providing equitable access and resources to all of her students. Portia is fulfilling the Dream in the many ways she pours into the next generation. She is #inspiringhope in many students at her school and community.
My goal is to make sure that my students are prepared to compete with other students globally when they enter into college. That if their goal is to attend an international university or an Ivy League school, they are prepared as well-rounded students.
– Portia Cameron
Calvin Malone
Calvin Malone graduated from An Achievable Dream in 2006 and recently opened the Calvin Malone Insurance Agency through Allstate. Calvin is #inspiringhope by providing opportunities and services to his community. His agency will foster many relationships and cultivate the community’s growth.
I decided to open my agency because it affords me the opportunity to provide security for my family while providing the community with services designed to protect them from life’s uncertainties and prepare them for the future.
– Calvin Malone
Amanda Gorman
Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history and an award-winning writer. By 19, she became the first National Youth Poet Laureate. Trailblazers like Amanda continue to #inspirehope because of her courage to seek justice through her poetry and activism.
Let each dawn find us courageous, brought closer, heeding the lights before the fight is over.
– Amanda Gorman