DEAN MITCHELL (Suggested for Stage Six; Mastery)
Despite all odds, Dean Mitchell’s resolve to become an artist, along with the support of one important person in his life, propelled him to his rank among the best-known and most collected artists in the United States. “My grandmother’s love, dignity, and respect for others have shaped my life,” Mitchell said. “Her moral and spiritual influence gave me a sense of self-worth, pride, and the inner strength to pursue my dreams. Family, community, and a place to feel safe was important to her. Education was always stressed along with hard work. My grandmother would often say, ‘Baby, ain’t nobody gonna give you nothing. You gotta work for what you want in life.’”