Our Inspiration
These individuals and families exemplify Strong heritage rooted in resilience, land ownership, business acumen, education, and community leadership—often spanning multiple generations despite systemic oppression. They are part of our inspiration and our aspiration
01
Descended from Charles and Mariah Carter Syphax (born into slavery but freed), this family gained prominence through inherited land in Arlington—later part of Arlington National Cemetery—and leadership roles in education and politics. Notable members: William Syphax (education leader) and John B. Syphax (politician during Reconstruction).
02
A former slave who became a visionary entrepreneur, Merrick founded the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company—one of the nation’s largest Black-owned businesses—while channeling wealth back into his community through philanthropy
03
Robert Reed Church, born into slavery, became one of the South's first Black millionaires by building property and founding the Solvent Savings Bank—the first Black-owned bank in Memphis. His granddaughter, Mary Church Terrell, was among the first Black women college graduates and a founding member of the NAACP
04
Thomas J. Dorsey, a formerly enslaved man, built a catering empire in Philadelphia, hosting elite figures like Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison. His son, William Henry Dorsey, continued the legacy through art, scholarship, and founding the American Negro Historical Society
05
America’s first Black Wall Street millionaire, amassing a fortune in the 1830s–1860s through real estate and stock speculation. Nicknamed “The Prince of Darkness” for his bold business tactics, he died in 1875 worth over $2M (≈$300M today), breaking racial barriers in elite finance.
06
Raised in a politically prominent family, Cook became one of D.C.’s wealthiest Black men in the 19th century. An educator, politician, and activist, he served high roles in public office and education, all while being a key community leader.
07
19th-century hotelier and real-estate investor, co-owner of the elite Remsen House in Brooklyn Heights; abolitionist and philanthropist, widely regarded as one of the wealthiest Black women of her era.
08
Pioneer of the Black haircare industry and founder of Poro College, a global beauty and training empire; became one of the first Black female millionaires in the U.S. through cosmetics and education.
09
Entrepreneur and philanthropist who built a fortune in haircare products for Black women; widely celebrated as America’s first self-made Black woman millionaire, funding schools, charities, and civil rights causes.
01
Ascending the throne in 1837, Victoria used sharp political instincts to expand the British Empire to unprecedented reach. Her reign saw a flourishing of art, literature, and innovation, blending shrewd statecraft with cultural enrichment to cement her as one of history’s most impactful monarchs.
02
From 1952 to 2022, Elizabeth led the royal family through decades of political, economic, and societal change with steadfast composure. Clever, adaptive, and diplomatically skilled, she maintained stability and influence while navigating challenges that reshaped the monarchy’s role in the modern world.
03
In the 1st century AD, Boudica united Celtic tribes in a bold, tactically coordinated revolt against Rome. Her leadership, strategic innovation, and fierce resolve made her an enduring symbol of resistance and power.
04
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Role: Leader of the Haitian Revolution.
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Formerly enslaved, he became a brilliant general and statesman who defeated Napoleon’s forces, abolished slavery in Haiti, and helped establish the first independent Black republic in the Americas in 1804.
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Known as “The Black Napoleon” for his military skill.
05
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Role: Spiritual, military, and cultural leader of the Windward Maroons in Jamaica.
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Legacy: Led guerrilla warfare against British colonial forces during the First Maroon War (1720s–1739).
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Renowned for her military tactics, and for maintaining Maroon independence through a treaty with the British.
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Named a National Hero of Jamaica in 1975.
06
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Lifespan: Unknown – 1763
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Role: Leader of the 1763 Berbice slave uprising against Dutch colonial rule.
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Commanded thousands of enslaved Africans in one of the earliest and largest revolts in the Caribbean.
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Celebrated as a national hero of Guyana.
07
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Lifespan: Unknown – 1816
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Role: Led the 1816 Barbados slave rebellion, known as Bussa’s Rebellion.
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Seen as a symbol of the fight for freedom; now a National Hero of Barbados.
08
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Role: Leaders of the “Fireburn” labor riot on St. Croix against harsh post-emancipation working conditions.
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Set fire to plantations and challenged Danish colonial rule.
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Remembered as heroines of labor rights in the Caribbean.
01
Twice Prime Minister, Churchill led Britain through World War II with unyielding resolve, masterful oratory, and sharp strategic vision. Renowned for rallying a nation in its darkest hours, he combined political acumen with an unshakable belief in victory, leaving a legacy as one of the 20th century’s most formidable leaders.
02
Early 19th-century military innovator who reformed warfare, expanded territory, and united Zulu clans into a powerful kingdom through discipline and strategic warfare.
03
17th-century ruler of Ndongo and Matamba who combined sharp diplomacy, military strategy, and alliances to resist Portuguese colonial expansion for over 30 years.
04
Emperor from 1930 to 1974, Haile Selassie modernised Ethiopia, defended its sovereignty against Italian invasion, and became a global symbol of African independence. Revered as a unifying statesman and spiritual figure, his leadership helped inspire the Pan-African movement and the founding of the African Union.
