Growing up in a barber shop, I would always hear stories being told. Many would be recollection made by older gentleman who were young men during the civil rights era. Living close to Selma, all the people from a certain age group participated in those marches and protests. 1/5

To hear what obstacles and struggles they had to face gave me a sense of duty and honor. To hear the pain, the struggle, the suffering and ultimately the elation of victory always burned into my brain. The key takeaway was never stop fighting for what you believe you deserve. 2/5

But they also taught lessons on how not to become lax in your spirit. Never be comfortable with what you have achieved. Always pursue better avenues of producing prosperity for yourself, your loved ones and community. It taught me to look forward, only backwards to learn. 3/5

With that being said, we all have hero characteristics and traits flowing through our veins. When I vote it is so much more than casting a ballot. It honoring the sole of my granddad's shoes as he marched to Montgomery. It's paying respect to those who faced dogs and hoses. 4/5

Tribute to fellow citizens who weren't directly affected by our plight but risked everything helping anyway. So when it is your turn to take your place amongst the stars, you can know you left a solid foundation behind. Just like those who came before you. 5/5