Cedric Moore: A Journey of Purpose, Art, and Impact

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Cedric Moore, a native of Glenn Dale, Maryland, discovered his artistic talent at a young age. As a child, he spent his school downtime sketching portraits, airplanes and cartoon characters. His natural ability earned him top placements in school fine arts competitions, prompting his mother to enroll him in art lessons at 11. During this time, his skills flourished, particularly in realistic portraiture. However, at 12, his perfectionism led to frustration, causing him to abandon art entirely or so he thought.

Education and Challenges

In 2012, Moore enrolled at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, uncertain of his future but seeking a stable career. While pursuing a degree in computer science, he faced challenges in balancing academics with his personal life, leading to struggles with his mental health and a declining GPA. Despite these setbacks, he persevered, ultimately earning his degree.

After graduation, Moore, like many young professionals, found himself at a crossroads. He secured a corporate job in cybersecurity, providing the structure and stability he initially sought. However, he soon realized this path did not fulfill him, prompting him to seek deeper purpose in life.

Rediscovering Purpose

Determined to inspire others, Moore turned to creative outlets. He launched Dream Power Media, a multimedia production company focused on documentary storytelling. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he co-founded Moore Faith, a platform that encouraged and uplifted people via Zoom for three consecutive years. This initiative reinforced his belief that true fulfillment comes from living a purpose-driven life.

The isolation of the pandemic forced Moore to reflect deeply on his passions. One day, he picked up a pencil and sketched for fun, realizing he hadn’t lost his artistic touch. Encouraged by positive reception on social media, he embraced his creative calling once more.

Taking the Leap of Faith

By 2022, Moore took a bold step, leaving his cybersecurity career to pursue art full-time. This decision was driven by his belief that art is more than a visual form; it is a powerful tool for storytelling, emotion and connection. His artwork quickly gained recognition, and he began using his platform to inspire others to embrace their own creative potential.

Recognition and Impact

Moore’s return to art culminated in a milestone moment at N.C. A&T’s Fall Convocation in 2024, where he showcased his talent through live painting. Introduced by Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations Crystal W. Boyce, he experienced a profound sense of recognition, realizing that his years of perseverance were finally paying off.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Moore has dedicated himself to philanthropy. Through Moore Faith, he has led efforts to support families in major cities during the holidays, providing gifts for children affected by job loss. He has also organized bookbag drives for students and mentor’s youth in Prince George’s County, teaching basketball and life skills.

A Vision for the Future

While his philanthropy has largely focused on communities outside A&T, Moore aims to integrate support for young artists at his alma mater. His goal is to create opportunities for students to freely express themselves, build confidence and connect with the Aggie Alumni network.

Moore’s journey is a testament to courage, faith and the transformative power of self-belief. Within a month of rekindling his passion, his skills flourished as if he had never stopped drawing. Now, he is committed to using art to tell compelling stories that uplift and empower others.

Living the Dream

Today, Moore is no longer chasing a dream he is living it. He is more than an artist; he is a mentor, a guiding light and an inspiration to those searching for direction. His work serves as a voice, a platform and a reminder that stepping outside one’s comfort zone can open doors to unimaginable opportunities.

Moore’s journey exemplifies that following one’s true calling leads to a life of impact, fulfillment and purpose.

By: Deja Huggins