A little over a week ago, I attended a memorial service for Ms. Angela Mills, a woman that was like a second mother to my sister and I while we attended Howard University (HU). Ms. Angela as I called her was a seamstress from Ghana who made the most beautiful clothes out of Kente for her clients. Once my sister and I even got to model her clothes for some photographs that were used as a part of her Master's thesis. In addition to being a student at HU, she also worked in the Medical School and in Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel.
Last week close to one hundred family members, friends and colleagues attended Ms. A's memorial service in that same chapel. During and after the service people shared how Ms. A's warm smile always made their day a bit brighter. People also explained that wearing her clothes literally made them like African royalty.
I was very lucky to have Ms. A in my life. I know now that my sister, those that were close to her and myself have an angel watching over us. The other realization I've had since her passing is "What will my legacy be once I depart this earth?
Ms. A was a seamstress and clothing designer who made people feel good about themselves and their history.
Most of you reading this never knew Ms. A, but you do know about a man named Micheal Jackson. A musician whose dance moves brought enjoyment to our lives. A musician whose songs will always get the party started. A musician whose words inspired others to create a better world if they did not like what they were seeing. This is Micheal's legacy.
What will your legacy be once you depart this earth?
Do not let fear, lack of planning, lack of money or societal expectations prevent you from creating your legacy NOW.
Here's some inspiration for the both of us. The following is an excerpt from my favorite Micheal Jackson song-"Man in the Mirror."
I'm Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change His Ways
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
(If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place)
Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change
(Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change)
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! Na Na Na, Na Na Na, Na Na, Na Nah (Oh Yeah!)
Gonna Feel Real Good Now! Yeah Yeah! Yeah Yeah! Yeah Yeah!
I've Got To Make That Change, Today!
Courtesy of http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/michaeljackson/maninthemirror.html
In memory of Ms. Angela A. Mills: August 31, 1950 to May 28, 2011. Thanks for all the LOVE.
