I am of influential women

The people who inspire me to be who I am and do what I do

The women who have raised me on a mental and physical level

Who taught me not to be ignorant and bigoted

Who kept me aware no matter how much everyone else wasn't

Who did not shield me from the world but instead showed me it

Who opened my eyes to my privilege and others disadvantages

Who took care of me from when I woke up until I went to sleep

Who brought me out of my comfort zone and outside of my whitewashed neighborhood

Who prepared me and my obligation to say the things that need to be said

Who have seen me at my worst and brought it to my best

Who encouraged my determination and will

Who pushed me to do what I can with what I have

Who after taking care of me went back to their families

Who made sure I always knew the facts

Who shaped my opinions about this country from its ideals to its reality

Whose houses were on the “bad” side of town and whose kids were in jail

Who have a passion for what they do

Whose lives are dedicated to raising children like me

Who don't get enough credit for what they do

Who showed me how to be a good citizen even though they weren't considered one

Who exposed me to different cultures and ways of being

Who taught me not to be scared of people that aren't like you

Who watched over me even after they were gone

Whose thoughtful actions are still present in my life today

Who I look up to

Whose influences will never leave me

Who guided my life

Who I will never forget

And everyday I'm thankful for them