You will leave a legacy, whether you want to or not. Legacy is like culture—every person and every organisation has one. It is the imprint left in the lives we touch, the wisdom passed down, and the values reflected in our choices.
The question isn’t whether you will leave a legacy—it’s what kind you are creating right now.
In many African cultures, wisdom is passed down through proverbs, folktales, and shared experiences. It is said:
“A person is not dead until they are forgotten.”
Legacy in Bantu Wisdom: The Unfinished Tale
Legacy is not just about wealth or titles. It is about memory—how your deeds, words, and presence echo beyond your years. Every interaction, every lesson shared, every act of kindness contributes to the larger narrative of a community.
The Power of Everyday Storykeeping
Elders are often seen as storykeepers, holding the wisdom of the past and shaping the direction of the future. But legacy isn’t reserved for the old—it begins today, in the small acts:
- The courage to speak truth and pass down lessons.
- The generosity to uplift others.
- The resilience to endure and inspire through hardship.
Just as a griot preserves history through song, you are preserving your own through the choices you make. What kind of story will those who follow you tell?
Writing Legacy with Intention
In Bantu philosophy, life is a continuous thread, woven by ancestors and carried forward by the living. Your legacy is in your relationships, in the wisdom you impart, and in the footprints you leave behind.
So, ask yourself:
- What wisdom am I passing down?
- What lessons will my children, siblings, or community inherit from me?
- What is my role in preserving and shaping the collective story?
A Call to Storykeepers
Legacy is active. It is alive. It is the echo of the voices before us and the whisper of those yet to come. Whether through leadership, storytelling, or everyday kindness, your impact matters.
So, as you walk forward, remember—you are a storykeeper. Whether you want to or not, your legacy will be written. What do you want it to say?
Bantu 
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