How My Father’s Legacy of Breaking Barriers Inspired My Journey to Success

Have you ever thought about the impact a single person can have, not just on a family but on an entire community? Growing up, I never quite grasped the weight my father carried as Wisconsin’s first Black state trooper. To me, he was just Dad, the man who came home exhausted but still managed to play catch with me or help me with homework.

It wasn’t until years later that I started to understand his struggle, his quiet strength, and the walls he broke down. And it wasn’t until I faced my own challenges that I truly realized the power of persistence and the legacy he was building—not just for himself, but for me and countless others.

My Father: A Quiet Revolutionary

Let’s be clear. My father didn’t go around calling himself a hero. He wasn’t looking for praise or awards. He was a man who did his job, day after day, even when his colleagues doubted him, even when the people he was supposed to protect questioned his right to wear the uniform. Can you imagine walking into work every day knowing you don’t fully belong, but still showing up because someone has to do it?

My dad wasn’t just carrying the weight of a badge; he was carrying the weight of change. He broke down barriers that had stood for decades. He was the embodiment of resilience. For him, it wasn’t about proving anyone wrong—it was about proving to himself that he belonged, that he could excel despite the odds. And he did.

That sense of purpose, that drive to push forward even when everything seems stacked against you, became a lesson I would carry with me for life.

From Banking to Business

I spent over 25 years in the banking industry, where, much like my father, I found myself as the only Black person in the room more times than I can count. Let me tell you, walking into a boardroom and seeing the looks on people’s faces is an experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But it taught me something invaluable—how to show up, regardless of the environment.

Over time, I realized I wanted to create something of my own. That’s how my business, Wisconsin Notary, was born. Now, entrepreneurship is a beast of its own. It doesn’t care who you are; it will chew you up and spit you out if you let it. There were moments when I doubted myself, moments when I wasn’t sure if I could keep going.

But in those moments, I’d think about my father. About the nights he came home drained but determined. About how he didn’t let the world’s opinions define him. And that’s when I knew I couldn’t give up. I had to keep pushing forward, not just for myself but for those watching—my children, my community, and anyone who needed to see what resilience looked like in real-time.

Vulnerability is Strength

For a long time, I kept my struggles to myself. I didn’t want people to see the cracks, the moments of doubt. But here’s what I’ve learned: vulnerability is where real strength comes from. When I started opening up—about my divorce, about my challenges in business—something incredible happened. People connected with me. They didn’t see weakness; they saw someone who was real, someone they could relate to.

And that’s when it hit me: we spend so much time trying to look strong that we forget the power of being human. We’re all fighting battles, but by pretending everything is fine, we isolate ourselves. My dad’s legacy wasn’t just about showing strength; it was about showing humanity. He faced adversity head-on, but he never let it harden him. That’s the lesson I’ve taken into every aspect of my life.

Legacy Isn’t About Perfection—It’s About Showing Up

I want my legacy to be simple: I showed up. Whether it was in my career, in my relationships, or as a father, I want to be remembered for always showing up, even when it was hard, even when I wasn’t sure of the outcome. My dad’s legacy wasn’t built on accolades or awards; it was built on consistency. Day after day, he showed up, and in doing so, he paved the way for others to follow.

That’s what I want for my kids—to see that showing up is half the battle. That you don’t have to be perfect, but you have to be present. You have to keep moving forward, no matter how many times you fall.

What Will Your Legacy Be?

So, here’s my question for you: What kind of legacy are you building? Are you showing up, even when it’s tough? Are you embracing your vulnerability, sharing your struggles, and giving others permission to do the same?

I challenge you to reflect on the legacy you want to leave behind. What’s the next step in your journey? Share your story with me in the comments. Let’s start a conversation about resilience, legacy, and showing up for ourselves and each other. If this resonates with you, share this article with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to explore more inspiring stories right here on Vocal.Media. Let’s build a community where we lift each other up and create legacies that matter.