We wake up, get work, go back home and rinse and repeat – or at least it feels that way sometimes. In truth, there are a million moments in between where we interact with others and we can’t help but wonder what folks will think about us once we aren’t showing up, perhaps once we are gone. Some very thoughtful members of the community share their thoughts on this with us below.
Shemariah Pradia
A: I hope people say that I lived with purpose and poured love into everything I touched. That even through illness, pain, and adversity, I never stopped showing up for others. I want to be remembered as someone who turned her struggles into strength — who used her voice to give others the courage to use theirs. Read more>>
Andrew Snorton
My hope is people will simply say that I did what I could with what I had and focused on leaving a positive footprint. Read more>>
Drezden Woods
I hope the legacy people will tell when I am gone is how my work has inspired them and how big of a impact I made to the community. Read more>>
Justin Douglas
I hope people say that I was someone who made purpose look powerful. That I didn’t just chase dreams, I built something meaningful that inspired others to believe in themselves. I want my story to remind people that you can come from anywhere, go through anything, and still rise with grace, discipline, and vision. My legacy isn’t just about makeup, television, or media. Read more>>
Shasta Dyer
That Shasta lived a life poured out, every gift, every word, every ounce of love given freely for His glory. That her grave will be empty, because she left nothing buried within her. She gave it all away the wisdom, the prayers, the compassion, the call. She is resting with her King, knowing that she finished well. Read more>>
Brittney Holmes Jackson
I hope people say that I was a light—that I showed up with authenticity, compassion, and purpose, and left the world a little more healed than I found it. My greatest desire is to make a lasting impact in the mental health industry by helping people believe that healing is possible, that hope is real, and that their stories matter. Read more>>
Zuko
As I’m getting older and contemplate mortality more and more, I often consider this question. I’m definitely not perfect. And honestly, I think trying to be perfect is a prison of our own creation. I’ve made a bunch of missteps, and I have a few shortcomings… but I genuinely like the person that I am. I would be my friend or colleague. Read more>>
George Weinstein
I hope people talk about how much I cared about other writers and sought to help them. Even more than that, though, I hope people realize they can do the same, that nothing I had done was unique to my talents, and they can also play a role in helping their peers achieve their goals and dreams. Read more>>
Brad Kolowich Jr
I hope people say I left them better – stronger, clearer, more grounded – whether it was in a workout, a conversation, or a moment that reminded them what they’re capable of. I hope they say I lived with integrity. That I gave my best in every area, as a husband, a father, a leader, and a man of faith and discipline. Read more>>
Re’Nae Dillard
I hope people say that I changed the world with fashion. I want to build a strong foundation of fashion within the Black community without it being a mockery of Black culture. I want people to remember the authentic stories I’ve told about my people, with my people, and how I brought those to life with fashion. Read more>>
Elijah Tutt
I just love this question. I hope that people say that I was a good and decent man, I don’t care if they liked me because not everyone will be liked but they will and must know and say that I was respected. I hope that people tell the story of how a Black man made an earnest and honest living. Read more>>
Kidist Girum
I want to be remembered as someone who lived with faith, courage, and kindness and left people better than I found them. Read more>>
