The Cost of Being the First

Thurgood Marshall, Ruby Bridges, Jackie Robinson were the first in their fields, individuals who paved the way for others and set examples for generations to come. These individuals gave hope to those around them by doing things that many believed were unachievable due to the systemic disadvantages faced by African Americans.

But no one ever talks about the pressure that comes with being the first. The constant fear of letting people down, of not doing the right thing. Every step you took was watched, someone was always waiting for you to mess up, you always had to prove someone wrong. You weren’t the only one in the spotlight; you carried a whole race with you. Your name would always be remembered, no matter the outcomes of your actions, but those who followed behind you were no longer just themselves either—they were now a representation of you. “He’s like ______” or “he’s the next _____.”

I believe it’s important to acknowledge those who were the first, while not putting too much emphasis on the word “first,” because focusing so much on this word makes it seem like someone will be the last to achieve it. As history shows, however, that was never the case.