Celebrities Support 'Because of Them, We Can' Movement
The campaign shines a light on our greatest heroes.
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Power in Pictures - Since launching the “Because of Them, We Can” campaign in 2013, photographer Eunique Jones has inspired countless young people by connecting them with heroes in Black history who paved the way. At Centric TV's 6th Annual Soiree on Martha's Vineyard on August 21, Jones’s Dream Wall inspired us all to set a positive example for the next generation following behind us. Check it out. There's so much inspiration and beauty in one space.
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Striving for Greatness - Here, (from left to right) General Manager and Executive Vice President of Centric Paxton Baker, MC Lyte, BET Networks Chairman and CEO Debra L. Lee, Eunique Jones, Common, Senior Vice President and General Manager of BET Networks International Michael Armstrong and guest take a moment for a photo in front of Jones’s Dream Wall. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Inspiring Story - Eunique Jones launched the campaign after her second son was born and was initially inspired by Trayvon Martin's story. "I began to reflect on my sons and their promising future — specifically the opportunities they could pursue as a result of the progress and achievements made by individuals past and present. I also thought about the responsibility and, at times, the fear I carry as a mother raising Black boys." (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Dispelling Stereotypes - What started as an effort to build up the self-esteem of our children while fighting against stereotypes back in February 2013 quickly spilled long past Black History Month. The photographer's project soon developed into a movement that continues to this day. Here, BET Networks Chairman & CEO Debra L. Lee and General Manager and Executive Vice President of Centric Paxton Baker grab a closer look at Jones’s extraordinary work. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Loving Touch - Guests of the evening’s soiree keep in touch while visiting the Dream Wall, which features adorable photographs of children depicting icons in Black history. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Famous Faces - Some of the icons channeled in the Dream Wall include Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou and Stevie Wonder. Can you spot any others?(Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Close Company - MC Lyte and Common are among the stars who came out to celebrate Jones's accomplishments. The project has been lauded by other notables, including Spike Lee, Russell Simmons, Janelle Monae, Harry Belafonte and Kerry Washington. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Proud Hubby - Eunique’s husband, Chris Gibson, takes a moment to shine the spotlight on his wife’s inspiring work. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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A Grand Vision - BET Networks Chairman & CEO Debra L. Lee poses with the celebrated photographer. Eunique has said that she hopes her campaign encourages and empowers “people of all ages and hues to dream out loud and reimagine themselves as greater than they are, simply by connecting the dots between the past, the present and the future.” (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Beloved Icons - The annual soiree gave guests a rare opportunity to see Jones’s photographs up close. Her coffee table book of 365 photos depicting children as some of our most beloved icons is available now. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
Photo By Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET
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Celebrating Art - Before heading into the party, another stylish crew takes a moment to smile for the cameras at the Dream Wall. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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The Power of Photography - “Because of Them, We Can” has been praised for its ability to bridge generations through the power of photography while empowering our children to make a positive impact in their communities. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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50 Years of History - In early July, in an effort to build upon her collection, Jones released a series of 50 photographs commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Glorious Legacys - In visiting the Dream Wall, guests had the opportunity to reflect on how their own legacy will impact the next generation of Black trailblazers. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Take My Hand - Just as sweet as this couple holding hands, the Dream Wall inspires us all to invest love in ourselves and to take pride in the mark we leave on the world. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Peachy Keen - These two gal pals, both on-trend in soft peach and pink, definitely look like they are enjoying Jones's work. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Continuing the Cause - As the project was birthed from the Trayvon Martin tragedy, Jones is now using her platform in social activism to draw attention to the city of Ferguson, Missouri, following the shooting of unarmed teen Mike Brown by police. “The change we need won't come from a microwave movement. It requires a well prepped, slow cooked mvmt. Can you stay in the heat?” Jones tweeted recently. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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A Bright Future - Friends gathered to support the Dream Wall’s powerful mission, which is to instill our children with the confidence to know they can change the world for the better. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Tools for Success - In building up the confidence of our younger generation, the “Because of Them, We Can” project gives them the tools to overcome negative stereotypes portrayed in the media and otherwise, allowing them to own their self-worth. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
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Education Is Power - The beautiful young faces depicted on the Dream Wall remind us that our children are our future. Educating them of their value is our greatest asset. (Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET)
Photo By Photo: Paul Marotta/Getty Images for BET
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