Theron Payne Young instilled in the author, courage, determination and laid the foundation for the ultimate level of self-esteem.  Provided loads of unconditional love, acceptance, kindness and spiritual inspiration.  During the formative years, taught the author culinary skills, to appreciate music, nature, diversity and to be inquisitive about learning.  And, was an excellent role model, the most superb advocate.  All of which, provided the author with the necessary skills, discipline, empathy, compassion, courage, to write with unique creativity.  Theron Payne Young inspired the majority of visual poet Deborah Young's poetry, visual poems, children's stories, stage plays, screenplays; especially Mother, A Lady, So Uniquely Rare, A Perfect World, Night, Night; Sleep Tight, Determination                     

James H. Young, Sr. taught the author about courage, perseverance and faith in God, which contributed to author's belief that nothing is impossible, any goal is within reach and inspired Daddy and Deacons for Defense and Justice; Civil Rights Warriors; Brothers, Badass Bold,  No' Mo' Rhythm's Beat, The Rhythm Night Club and children's story Black and Proud

Dan Faulkner boosted author's level of self-esteem by constant displays of acceptance and kindness; which encouraged the author to believe in self and to never give up.  Mr. Dan Faulkner inspired visual poet's poem Underground Railroad, Stolen Dignity

Dr. James H. Young, Jr. the cardiologist and heart healthy chef, taught Deborah Young, visual poet and author the joys of reading and comprehension, by displaying exceptional learning techniques.  Dr. James H. Young, Jr., inspired Pili, The Purple Polka Dot Cow and Big Brother, When I Grow Up, I'll Be Just Like You.

Dr. Devell Ray Young the doctor with the gigantic heart who constantly displays kindness and compassion.  And, unknowingly contributed to the cultivation of author's creativity, by engaging in early childhood games of What, If and the Reader's Digest Word Power challenges.  Dr. Devell Ray Young inspired visual poet, Deborah Young's poem  No' Mo' Rhythm's Beat, The Rhythm Night Club , screenplay Rhythm, The Rhythm Night Club Story, children's stories; The Great Easter Egg, Balloon Drop and The Easter Bunnies On Hip-Hop Hill

Palzetta Herndon Wilkerson aided in author's increased faith in creative abilities by genuine displays of kindheartedness, acceptance and spiritual inspiration.  

Rev. S. E. Mitchell provided the author with ultimate spiritual guidance, which enhanced writing abilities and the faith to continue to create unique, visual poetry masterpieces.

Maya Angelou motivates the author to continuously create thought provoking poems, stage plays, etc.

George Herbert inspired the author with creation of 1633 visual poems Easter Wings, The Altar

James Brown the author's self esteem and level of confidence in creative abilities were increased, as a result of this singer's song Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud

Frances Harper delighted author with awesome writing skills. 

Paul Dunbar awed author with over the top poetic skills

Frederick Douglass totally charmed author with writing tenacity that wreaked of gallant determination and racial pride.

Harriet Tubman inspired author with overwhelming courage and determination

Sojourner Truth thrilled and impressed author with brilliant oratory skills 

Audie Murphy impressed author with courage and diverse skills, especially writing endeavors; which encouraged author to write with compassion and confidence

William Terrell first to publish author's work, the Bluff City Post newspaper, Natchez, Mississippi.