With Mother’s Day right around the corner, it is important to give thanks to the mom or mother figure in your life. Mothers sacrifice so much so that their children can have better lives than the ones they had. They put their own needs and wants aside to prioritize their children’s well-being, often without seeking any recognition or appreciation. Their time, energy, and resources all go towards ensuring that their children have everything they need to thrive, even if it means sacrificing their own happiness.

These sacrifices aren’t just for one specific type of mother either. Some of today’s icons wouldn’t be who they are without the help of their mother. The guidance their mothers have provided throughout their lives has helped create a their success.

Here are some of the mothers that society has to thank for bringing up today’s icons.

Tina Lawson

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Tina Lawson should be studied for her work. She raised arguably one of the top performances of this generation and did it with grace. Beyoncé has often credited her mother for helping shape her into he woman she is today. Lawson’s second born, Solange is also a change maker in her own right. The messages and creativity in her work are both unapologetic and undoubtedly artistic. Solange has also credited her mother on helping her be the outspoken, free-spirited woman she is today.

Diana Ross

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Diana Ross is herself, an icon. She has never stopped serving looks and being as outspoken as she wants to be. She has also passed these traits along to here 5 talented children including Tracee Ellis Ross. Each child has created their own path to stardom. Tracee’s path includes acting in groundbreaking cultural shows like “Black-ish” and “Girlfriends.” The star also developed, Pattern Beauty, a haircare line specifically for textured tresses. Ross’ other children have titles such as actor, writer, producer and songstress.

Adrienne Banfield-Norris

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Adrienne Banfield-Norris is the mother of Jada Pinkett-Smith. Banfield-Norris has shaped her daughter to be the storyteller she is today. Outside of being an amazing actress, Pinkett-Smith advocates for those who may not have a voice. Although Facebook has now canceled her show, Red Table Talk, the production provided a space for Pinkett-Smith to share stories that people needed to hear. She did so alongside her mom and daughter, Willow, who both co-hosted the show.