English: It is not unusual for us to spend part of Black History Month thinking about all the great, influential leaders who have made their mark in the world. No one can dispute the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, Booker T. Washington, and scores of others who pioneered civil rights in America.

Certainly, these and many more have been role models for African Americans in all walks of life, from the city streets to the board room. But think about this question: Who else was important to your own journey? That’s the question we posed in mini-interviews with more than two dozen business leaders.

The responses to our questions give us a panoramic view of the socialization process as it relates to the leaders you’ll discover in the next 27 pages. Each one is fascinating. What’s the common thread that ties all of them together? A commitment to helping others, as evidenced by their community involvement. But there’s more. Between the lines are glimpses of pride for the road one has traveled—often a very hard road, indeed. Just by participating in this feature, the individuals profiled here are giving an example of black leaders leading.