I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by very strong, resilient and present figures in my life, and I draw my Black Girl Magic from them. I am who I am because of who they taught me to be.

Dr. Sadiya Khan’s academic focus is researching the risk for heart failure. She translates research into clinical practice to aid cardiovascular outcomes on an individual level.

Over her accomplished career, Condoleezza Rice has been a beacon of change, diplomacy and peace. And through education, dedication and service, Rice has secured her legacy in American history.

Maybe in this era, the mark of a professional athlete worthy of adoration is speaking your truth, not just going along to get along, and that’s what Serena Jameka Williams has done.

Lucille Clifton wanted her children to read and enjoy books featuring Black protagonists, but in the 1960s and 1970s, there weren’t many to choose from—so she wrote her own.