Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
The Black History Month: Hidden Figures series exists to honor the men and women whose brilliance, courage, and faith shaped history but were too often overlooked, erased, or undervalued in their time. Each year during Black History Month, we intentionally lift these stories to remind our community that God has always worked powerfully through people behind the scenes—those who trusted Him quietly, moved obediently, and changed the world without applause. Their lives mirror the heart of our series Faith Around + Find Out, because each Hidden Figure stepped forward in faith before the outcome was clear, believing God was at work even when recognition was not. This series affirms that faith is not just public or celebrated—it is often lived in obscurity, perseverance, and purpose. By revisiting these stories annually, we declare that what God has authored will never remain hidden, and that faith, when exercised boldly, always leads us to discover more of His truth, His justice, and His divine plan unfolding through history and through us.
Gladys Brown West
(October 27, 1930 – January 17, 2026)
Dr. Gladys Brown West stands as a powerful Hidden Figure whose faith, brilliance, and quiet perseverance changed the way the world finds its way. A gifted mathematician, her groundbreaking work in modeling the shape of the Earth and developing satellite geodesy laid the foundation for what would become the Global Positioning System (GPS)—a technology billions rely on daily without knowing her name. Dr. West’s journey reflects Faith Around + Find Out in its purest form: she committed herself to excellence and purpose long before the impact of her work was visible or celebrated. Working faithfully behind the scenes, she trusted the process, honored her calling, and allowed discipline and obedience to guide her steps. Years later, the world found out—through her induction into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame and the Webby Lifetime Achievement Award—that faith-fueled dedication leaves an eternal imprint, reminding us that God often uses unseen work to create global direction.
Bayard Rustin
(March 17, 1912 – August 24, 1987)
Bayard Rustin stands as one of the most influential yet often overlooked architects of the Civil Rights Movement—a true Hidden Figure whose impact reshaped history. A brilliant strategist, organizer, and advocate for nonviolence, he was instrumental in planning the 1963 March on Washington, shaping its vision, logistics, and moral clarity. Though often pushed to the margins because of his identity, convictions, and refusal to compromise truth for acceptance, Rustin remained unwavering—grounded in faith, guided by conscience, and committed to the belief that love, discipline, and moral courage could transform a nation. His life powerfully embodies Faith Around + Find Out: stepping forward in faith long before recognition followed, trusting that obedience mattered more than visibility, and proving that when you walk in faith without seeking validation, you eventually find out that God’s purpose is larger than position and deeper than public praise—because faith-filled lives may not always stand center stage, but they always leave lasting footprints.
Annie Trunbo Malone
(August 9, 1877 – May 10, 1957)
Annie Turnbo Malone exemplifies the power of faith expressed through discipline, generosity, and purpose. As one of America’s first self-made Black female millionaires, Malone built her business at a time when opportunity for Black women was almost nonexistent. She trusted God to guide her vision, invested in education and community uplift, and remained faithful to her calling even when her name was eclipsed by others. Malone lived Faith Around + Find Out by working diligently without demanding recognition, believing that obedience and integrity would speak in due time. History eventually found out that her faith-filled entrepreneurship not only built wealth, but created pathways, institutions, and futures for generations of Black women.
Robert Smalls
(April 5, 1839 – February 23, 1915)
Robert Smalls represents faith in action under impossible circumstances. Born into slavery, Smalls trusted God not just with his future, but with his life—steering a Confederate ship to freedom while carrying his family and others to safety. His faith did not stop at liberation; it propelled him into leadership as a statesman, military hero, and advocate for education and civil rights. Smalls embodies Faith Around + Find Out because he moved boldly before outcomes were guaranteed, believing that God would meet courage with deliverance. The world later found out that faith-driven bravery can alter personal destiny and reshape national history, proving that when faith leads, freedom follows.