Actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few performers who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. She is a cohost of the TV show 'The View.' (From 'Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World' By Crystal McCrary)
Lauri Lyons
Mary J. Blige
Multiplatinum recording artist Mary J. Blige, the recipient of nine Grammy Awards, launched the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now to offer college scholarships and inspire women "to reach their individual potential." (From 'Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World' By Crystal McCrary)
Lauri Lyons
Debra Martin Chase
Debra Martin Chase became a Hollywood producer after practicing law and working at Columbia Pictures. Her movies include 'The Princess Diaries,' 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' and The Cheetah Girls.' (From 'Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World' By Crystal McCrary)
Lauri Lyons
Soledad O'Brien
The host of CNN's 'In America' documentary series, Soledad O'Brien is the mother of four and the author of 'The Next Big Story: My Journey Through the Land of Possibilities.' (From 'Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World' By Crystal McCrary)
Lauri Lyons
Shaun Robinson
The 2011 recipient of the Dove Real Beauty Award, Shaun Robinson, an anchor and correspondent for TV's 'Access Hollywood,' is the author of 'Exactly As I Am,' a book on building self-esteem for teen girls. (From 'Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World' By Crystal McCrary)
Lauri Lyons
Susan L. Taylor
The former editor in chief and editoral director of 'Essence' magazine, Susan L. Taylor is today CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement, which she founded in 2005 after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. (From 'Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World' By Crystal McCrary)
Lauri Lyons
Misty Copeland
A featured solo dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, Misty Copeland also often works with pop superstar Prince. (From 'Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World' By Crystal McCrary)
Lauri Lyons
Venus Williams
Tennis pro Venus Williams is the winner of three Olympic gold metals and 21 Grand Slam titles. In 2002, she became the first black female tennis player to be ranked No.1 in the world. (From 'Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World' By Crystal McCrary)
Lauri Lyons
Crystal McCrary
'Inspiration' author Crystal McCrary practiced entertainment law before leaving the profession to pursue writing and television producing.
'Inspiration'
Inspiration: Profiles of Black Women Changing Our World
By Crystal McCrary
Photographs by Lauri Lyons
Hardcover, 240 pages ($45)
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