What do you want to be when you grow up? Maybe a teacher, doctor, or even a chef? Fulfilling your dreams is an opportunity that everyone deserves. How would you feel if your dream was taken from you?

From a young age, Adrienne McNeil Herndon adored the stage. Performing on stages in New York and Boston, Herndon became a recognized actress and developed a unique passion for theater. However, because she was African American, Herndon was often given roles that were offensive or discriminatory towards her race.

Instead of allowing this to deter her from continuing her career, she decided to make a difference by becoming a professor at Atlanta University and using her talents to educate those around her. Through her work, students and community members participated in professional performances by English poet and playwright William Shakespeare, wore elaborate costumes, and even worked with famous theater companies. Herndon was determined to achieve her dream and create her own spotlight, no matter who doubted her abilities .