Award-winning singer-actor Billy Porter credits his mother, Cloerinda, with giving him the strength and tenacity to overcome a difficult childhood in Pittsburgh to fulfill his dream of becoming a legendary Broadway star.

Winning American Idol at just 19-year-old marked the beginning of a bumpy road to stardom for actress Fantasia Barrino who credits her mom with helping her overcome the obstacles and turning her into the accomplished woman she is today.

Basketball superstar Kevin Durant was born and raised in Maryland by a strong and determined single mother who drove him to beat the odds of poverty to become one of the greatest basketball players ever to grace the court.