THE BIRTH OF BEQUEST
Established on November 24th of 2020, House of Bequest was born amid a worldwide health pandemic and a period of isolation, silence, pain, reflection, unity, and transformation within the United States. The Coronavirus forced many families to quarantine while leaving several homes displaced and weakened due to unprecedented layoffs in the American workforce and financial turmoil. Uncertainties of being physically impacted by the virus and a lack of economic stability swept across the country, leaving many in fear. As a result, this unique time led to the rebirth of a widespread entrepreneurial spirit that sparked life to innovative ideas, several businesses, and personal growth. In recognizing this shift that many Americans were experiencing in leaving corporations and the business sector to starting their own companies, and seeking more than the traditional 9 to 5 lifestyle, the idea of creating a service-based business and professional development platform began to form.
Although, it wasn't until the early summer of 2020 that the purpose and mission of House of Bequest would become apparent. The nation experienced a profound period of racial reckoning after countless centuries of institutional and systemic racism, inequality, police brutality, discrimination, and the brutal murders of Black men and women. The world began to awaken to the harsh truth of its wrongdoings to the Black community and the lives stolen from Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor, and so many others before them.
On May 25th of 2020, the world watched a viral video of four Minneapolis police officers arresting George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, to use a counterfeit bill outside of a convenience shop. For a total of 8 minutes and 46 seconds, ex-officer Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck unapologetically to the point where Floyd cried out "please," "I can't breathe" for more than 15 times, and "Mama" before taking his final breath. After witnessing the final horrendous moments of a Black man's life, the country's state and the world erupted in protests, rage, and mourning. This series of events led to more arrests, riots, and deaths, including Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old Black man sleeping in his car who was murdered by an Atlanta police officer outside of a restaurant. The world could no longer sit in silence nor passively ignore or observe the cries of Black men, women, and children.
A solemn reminder lingered heavily on the hearts of many of the universal journey, trials, and tribulations for Black families throughout the country's history since it's existence, including the pain of the native people, the rich soils of Africa, those who were enslaved, and the everlasting fight for freedom, justice, and equality. In the year 2020, the impact of the virus and the country's turbulence provided an opportunity for a significant increase in Black entrepreneurship and excellence to thrive like never before across the world. While traditionally disproportioned in society, the workforce, the economy, the school system, and more, African Americans continue to show resilience and defeat the odds and obstacles that are often before them. Together, with patience, perseverance, hope, and family, the legacy of Black excellence remains deeply tied to its ancestral roots.
Through the unforgettable, unpredictable, and emotional year of isolation and reflection within the Black community and world came great insight, clarity, and purpose. By combining the need for business development services, including branding, design, media, writing, and career services, with education, empowerment, and establishing and maintaining legacies for future generations, House of Bequest was birthed.
House of Bequest is the cultivation and preservation of Black legacy building and generational wealth.
Your lineage is the greatest gift you've ever received, and your legacy is the most notable contribution that you will ever bequeath to your loved ones in your lifetime. Make your ancestors and future generations proud by walking fully and confidently in the light and accomplishments of your heritage by cultivating generational wealth.