We wake up, get work, go back home and rinse and repeat – or at least it feels that way sometimes. In truth, there are a million moments in between where we interact with others and we can’t help but wonder what folks will think about us once we aren’t showing up, perhaps once we are gone. Some very thoughtful members of the community share their thoughts on this with us below.
Lauren DeLeary
I hope people say I lived with authenticity, that I made them feel seen, and that I created beauty that outlived me. Read more>>
Janiro Hawkins II
People might say that I was someone who built platforms for others to shine, who turned ideas into movements, and that I made it a priority to use my influence to open doors for the next generation. They might tell the story of how I made people feel seen and valued, and how my vision created spaces where Southern talent—and culture as a whole—could thrive. Read more>>
Eva Angelina Romero
I hope the story people tell about me is one of impact—of how I made them feel seen, valued, and inspired. More than any accomplishments or material success, what matters most to me is the way I’ve served others and reminded them of their own power to create change. At the end of the day, life can’t just be about what you accumulate for yourself. Read more>>
Keymaya Butler
I hope people say that I was someone who used my voice and my gifts to heal, uplift, and transform. That I turned my pain into power, and left behind more than music I left a movement that reminded people of their own crown, their own resilience, and their own purpose. Read more>>
Averianna Patton
She truly was the voice of Cashville that sparked real change for black and brown media outlets and musicians. She opened the door for natives of music city to have a seat at the hollywood table build in our own backyards. Read more>>
Braden Jamison
I hope, above any career success, people remember me as a follower of Jesus and a man of character. Read more>>
Caroline Dabney Bilden
I hope people talk about how I made them feel. I pride myself in making everyone around me feel included and excited to be a part of the conversation. I really hope that follows me, even after I am gone. Read more>>
Abby Hunt
I really just hope people remember the way I made them feel. I want people to feel special and important when they are interacting with me, and that they can be themselves I think my superpower is connecting really quickly and easily with strangers, and truly viewing the world as a positive place rather than a negative or scary one. Read more>>
Kim Ortiz
When that fateful day comes, my prayer is that people remember my heart. I’m a very imperfect vessel, but I make an effort that when people meet me for the first time or anytime after, they are able to experience sincerity, generosity, and love. I want people to see me as a reflection of God’s love. Read more>>
Michelle Renae
That I was kind. That’s it. I just want to know that my kindness changed people. That’s all. Read more>>
Rae Curtis
I hope people say I was the friend who showed up—especially when it was dark, when they were low, when no one else would. That I didn’t turn away from the hard stuff, but sat beside them in it. I hope they remember me as someone who loved deeply, gave selflessly, and offered loyalty that didn’t waver. A mama to the soul, to the core. Read more>>
Amber Reda
I hope people say that I made them feel seen—that I had a way of capturing the beauty in them they didn’t always see in themselves. I hope they remember me as someone who led with kindness, who loved deeply, and who created from the heart. Read more>>
