We have reached the end of our two-month journey. We began in February by looking back at the Giants of history, and we have spent March celebrating the Torch-Bearers, the Art of the Reach, and the power of Unapologetic Excellence.
Today, we shift from being the ones that stand to being the ones that support. We are moving from the legacy we inherited to the legacy we are now curating.
Legacy is a Daily Choice
We often think of “legacy” as something that happens at the end of a long career — a gold watch, a plaque, a statue. But legacy actually is a collection of daily decisions. It is the “compound interest” of the way you treat people, the way you solve problems, how you behave when no person is watching.
To curate a legacy worth standing on, we have to ask ourselves three questions:
- What am I building? Are you creating something that will outlast your present role? Whether it’s a more equitable hiring process, a mentorship program, or a body of creative work, your “build” is the platform for the next generation.
- Who am I bringing? If you are the only one that succeeds, your legacy is a dead end. A true Giant builds a bridge. Who are you training to take your place? Who have you empowered to be better than you?
- How will I be remembered? People may forget the specific projects you finished, but they never will forget the way it felt to work with you. Were your shoulders sturdy? Were you a gatekeeper or a door-opener?
The “Bridge” Generation
I believe our generation is a “Bridge Generation.” We have the unique privilege of access to spaces our ancestors only dreamed of. We have the digital tools to connect with people all over the world. We are the bridge between the struggle of the past and the limitless innovation of the future.
Standing on the shoulders of Dr. King, Maya Angelou, and Katherine Johnson gave us the height to see the horizon. Now, our job is to make sure the horizon looks even brighter for those coming next.
Final Reflection: The View from Your Shoulders
Imagine someone thirty years from now writing a blog post just like this one you’re reading. Imagine him or her listing your name as one of the Giants they stand on. What is the one thing you want them to thank you for?
Thank you for following along with this series. It has been an honor to reflect on our shared history and our bright future together. This series may be over, but the work — and the excellence — continues.
Please stay connected with us at chrisokeynnokwam.com so you won’t miss the next deep dive!
May God help us and shower us all with both His blessings and the things that make life sweet.
About the Author
Chris is a fiction writer and the creator of the Moral Observer brand. Known for his ability to weave complex ethical dilemmas into gripping narratives, Chris explores the intersection of power, justice, and the human condition across multiple genres. From the high-stakes tension of crime thrillers like ‘Shadow of Justice‘ and ‘Brookhaven Rising‘ to the expansive world-building of ‘The Mystical Land of Zenia‘ and ‘The Verdant Realm of Gissett,’ his work challenges readers to look beyond the surface. As “The Moral Observer,” he provides a unique lens on the “Moral Calculus” that defines our choices, both in fiction and in reality.
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