The Legacy I Aspire to Leave Through My Writings

Henry Johnson LR
3 min readSep 4, 2023

Writing is more than just a form of expression; it is a powerful tool that can inspire, educate, and transform lives. As a writer, I am conscious of the impact of my words. I aspire to leave a legacy through my writing that transcends the boundaries of time and space. I’ve read Baldwin and underwent a particular form of transformation. On the other end, Biko’s “I write what I like” was a mirror of a certain form of self-reflection, asking, “Black man, what’s your purpose in this world?” The truth is, what I’ve painted has been painted before. Perhaps it is the source of current moments, next to time. But, why do I write, and what do I aspire to leave?

Pic Cred: Suzy Hazelwood

1. Inspiring Change

One of the most significant legacies I hope to leave through my writing is an inspiring change that starts with the self. Nothing that I’ve painted will take its course unless it has taken the course within my own family. I want my words to provoke thought, challenge norms, and encourage readers to question the status quo and not barely accept their circumstances but constantly question it. Whether it’s educating readers on things they might not know, advocating for social justice, environmental sustainability, or mental health awareness, I aim to use my writing as a catalyst to impact brains that continue to reshape the course of the cycle of human suffering.

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Henry Johnson LR

I am a Liberian-born American writer with great ideas to impact lives and leave this world a little better than I found it.