She Created ‘The Cheetah Girls’ To Inspire Black Girls To Keep Dreaming

cheetah girls singing
L. Graciella Maiolatesi
May 12, 2023

Growing up in foster care, Deborah Gregory lay awake at night dreaming of being a rockstar. Her imagination was her escape

As an adult she wanted to help young Black girls fighting systems intent on oppressing them. She wanted them to keep hope alive and continue dreaming.

Gregory returned to her imagination and began writing. She wrote until she had a 16 book series showcasing 5 “growl power” rockstar friends chasing their dreams in the “jiggy jungle.”

Gregory’s series, The Cheetah Girls, would be bought by Disney, co-produced by Whitney Houston, and star Raven-Symoné. 

And even though Disney whitewashed some of the storyline, nothing could stop Gregory’s creative genius from shining through.

Gregory’s series taught Black girls everywhere to be strong, vulnerable, courageous, and fiercely believe in their dreams. 

Most importantly, it reminds us of the power of our imaginations.

We all have a story to share, we just have to be brave enough to tell it. 

What story are you sitting on that could inspire future generations to reimagine what is possible?

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