Life in the Years: Legacies of Freedom and Impact

In this commemorative piece, we explore what it truly means to live a life that echoes through history. We begin with powerful words from Assata Shakur and Roxanne Gay, reminding us that freedom and justice demand action, not silence. Then, being that today is May 19th, we acknowledge and we celebrate three lives of varying lengths but united by monumental impact —Malcolm X’s centennial, Lorraine Hansberry’s remarkable achievements, and the inspiring story of “Big Mama” Emily Blake. Finally, we reflect on why the measure of our days matters less than the life within them, and how each of us can etch our own legacy by committing to a cause greater than ourselves.

Embracing the Call to Action

“Nobody in the world, nobody in history, has ever gotten their freedom by appealing to the moral sense of the people who were oppressing them.”—Assata Shakur

“When we say nothing, when we do nothing, we are consenting to these trespasses against us.”—Roxanne Gay

Too often, comfort seduces us into silence. These two quotes, shared on this day of profound significance, remind us that justice and freedom aren’t gifts bestowed by the powerful—they’re earned by those who refuse to remain quiet. Let your voice, once quieted by habit, roar back to life in unison with struggle and hope.

Three Giants: A Triad of Influence

Malcolm X (May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965) Today marks 100 years since the birth of a man whose clarion call for human rights shattered illusions of complacency. His life was brief but seismic, forever reshaping the global dialogue on freedom, dignity, and self-determination.

Lorraine Hansberry (May 19, 1930 – January 12, 1965) On the same date, we remember the brilliant playwright whose A Raisin in the Sun broke Broadway’s color barrier. Hansberry’s pen carved space for Black narratives on the world’s most prestigious stages—proof that art can lift the veil on injustice and sow seeds of change.

Emily “Big Mama” Blake (May 19, 1933 – 2023) My beloved aunt, a true silent giant: a woman of prayer, fierce love, and unwavering community service. Born in an Atlanta shadowed by threats of violence, she survived terror and injury to become the steadfast heart of our family. She taught us that courage need not be broadcast to be heroic; sometimes the greatest revolutions are fought in kitchens, churches, and open doors.

Despite vastly different lifespans—34 years, 39 years, and 90 years respectively—each left an indelible mark. Their combined wisdom reminds us that impact cannot be measured in years alone.

Tip of the Day: Life in Your Years

Live not for longevity alone but for the vibrancy of your days. Yes, nourish your body and mind—but recognize that any moment can slip away like sand through fingers. Instead, anchor yourself to a purpose greater than survival. Serve, uplift, and ignite change. In doing so, your energy transcends mortality, whispering your name into the winds of history.

Build of the Day: Legacy Over Longevity

Legacy. Impact. We often fixate on length—how many candles must sit atop our cake. But it’s not the quantity of breaths, it’s the quality of exhalations that carves destiny. A short life can roar louder than a quiet century. Commit to service. Commit to justice. Commit to love. Whether your name resonates beyond your horizon or only within your small circle, make it count. After all, it’s not the years of life that matter, but the life within those years.

And so, as the sun sets on May 19th and its giants rest in the tapestry of time, let us rise with their courage in our veins—choosing each day to speak, to serve, and to spark the change that outlives us all.

In Solidarity,

Lashawn "Suga Ray" Marston

Founder/President,

Lashawn Marston Enterprises