The Gallery of Heroes

As a strategist he was crucial to the organization of the March on Washington and his desire for non-violent protest was one that saw him work closely with Martin Luther King. As an openly gay man in a time when homosexuality was criminalized, Rustin’s effectiveness was somewhat limited, as people’s prejudices got the better of their judgment.

John Daido Loori was a deeply realized and compassionate teacher of Zen who dedicated his life to helping others to live in equanimity and compassion.

Emily Douglas is the founder (at age 11) of Gandma’s Gifts, an organization committed to assisting those in need in the Appalachia area.

Mum Shirl Smith helped young Aborigines in and out of prison. She gave them someone to call “mum”.

Vicente Ferrer helped millions of poor people in India by providing health care and rural development.

Erin Brockovich gained fame for her role in battling the Pacific Gas and Electric Company who had been leaking poisonous compounds into the local water supply of Hinkley, California.

Wadongo’s vision is to transform rural communities by making light free and possible. He believes that solar powered light can lift them out of poverty.

Luis Soriano, a modest 38 year old teacher in La Gloria, Colombia, believes in the power of a book. He began his teaching career with a job reading to students, and soon realized that there was a critical education gap in the community.

By the time Schweitzer was 30, he decided to commit his life to mankind and became a missionary in medicine.

Eve Ensler, best known for her play “The Vagina Monologues,” is an American playwright, performer, and activist.