I remember a 14 year old gang member being celebrated
for dying in a gunfight with the police. His friends and neighbors
constantly talked about how he used to run from the police
before he died. This became his story about his life after he died.
His friends and neighbors put up banners in his community
with his picture on it to celebrate him. They also raised
more than $10,000 for his funeral.
I remember thinking what if those banners were actually
celebrating a young man graduating from high school.
What if his community raised more than $10,000
for his college scholarship fund instead of his funeral?
What if this 14 year old was celebrated in his community
for his academic accomplishments instead of his
criminal accomplishments?
What would the story of his life be?
The story of his legacy?
The community environment we grow up in
shapes our lives along with our home and
school environments.
There are 14 year old boys who will end up
on the academic path or criminal path based
on the encouragement and exposure they
receive in their community.
It is true that what they see is what they will be.
It is also true that even young boys are creating a legacy.
They are building a legacy that is shaped by the
environments they are exposed to in their homes,
schools and communities.
That 14 year old gang member didn’t have the
opportunity to grow up and live a long life.
But he still left a legacy.
The story of his legacy may influence other
youth to choose the criminal path to receive
the attention and encouragement they desire.
They are building a legacy that is shaped
by seeing other criminals being celebrated
in their community. They are constantly
exposed to negative role models instead
of positive role models.
The story of his legacy may influence other
youth to choose a more positive path in life.
They are building a legacy that is shaped by
exposure to positive role models and mentors
who are showing them what is possible for them.
They know that they are the author of their
life story, and are creating their legacy through
the choices they make during their lives.
What will the story of your legacy be?
