These Black Celebrities Got It Out The Mud– Proving You Can Too

I know, I know, I know– you shouldn’t compare yourself to A-List celebrities or the viral influencers you see while scrolling down your timeline. But, a lot of these powerful individuals have some mind-boggling success stories.

Behind the flashing lights of paparazzi cameras and the thousands spent on flattering wardrobes are regular people who went through tremendous struggles but refused to let them alter their destiny.

From sleeping in their less-than luxurious cars to being forced into the foster system, a lot of today’s icons have faced adversities similar to us ordinary folks. And, of course, no one’s story is the exact same, but it’s always uplifting to see how far people have come.

50 Cent

Perhaps one of the most prominent media mogul’s of our time, Curtis Jackson’s legacy is one for the history books. Brought up in poverty, 50 lost his mother when he was 8 years old. Following her unfortunate passing, he turned to a life on the streets, causing him to serve time and take a few bullets along the way– nine to be exact.

Don’t believe me? Watch Get Rich or Die Tryin’.

Despite all that, Fif has brought us music, movies and television shows. He’s given dozens of talented actors a platform, kept us laughing with his antics and continued to put on for a culture that plenty of people don’t respect.

Simone Biles

At 26-years-old Simone Biles is one of the most decorated Olympians in American history. However, at age three she was forced into the foster care system because her mother struggled with drug and alcohol use.

Biles recalled being hungry and afraid while in the system. Three years later, she was adopted by her maternal grandfather and his wife.

Since then, the star athlete has used her platform to give back to children going through the same unfortunate struggles.

Jimmy Butler

The basketball star was only 13 years old when his mother told him, “I don’t like the look of you. You’ve got to go,” and chased him out the house. He spent the majority of his teenage years sleeping on his friend’s couches just to continue going to school.

Thankfully, Butler was adopted during his senior year of high school by a family that knew he deserved better.

From there, he worked tirelessly to achieve his hoop dreams and now he’s one of the most respected players in the league.

Viola Davis

Emmy. Grammy. Oscar. Tony. Before the insanely gifted Viola Davis starred in The Help, How to Get Away With Murderand Fences, she was a little girl being raised in Rhode Island, forced to deal with treacherous conditions.

Before gracing our screens, Davis dealt with sexual abuse, alcoholism, domestic violence and racism.

Luckily, her unfortunate circumstances fueled her passion for the arts. If you’ve ever seen her act, then you know that she delivers emotion like no other– and now we know where it came from.

Charlie Wilson

Uncle Charlie is a legend in the industry, but it took a lot for him to earn that title.

In the late 90s, the singer became addicted to cocaine and alcohol, ultimately causing him to become homeless. On top of that, music executives told him he was too old to revive his career. They must didn’t know his first name was Charlie and last name Wilson?

Fast forward, the hit-maker regained his popularity and, to this day, continues to be one of the leaders in the genre of R&B and Soul.

Let these examples inspire you to never give up and stay steadfast on your journey to success. You never know, we could be reading your story one day.