S3E6: Be The First You Needed
Mon Feb 02 2026
First Monday of Black History Month. I stand inspired by the heroes before me and committed to paving the way for those after me. Growing up, I searched for someone who looked like me, who lived a story like mine, navigating life with a body impairment — and I couldn’t find it. That absence hurt, but it also gave me direction. I realized if I didn’t see the example, I had to become it. I had to build the person that younger Joshua needed to believe in.
If you don’t see it, believe it. Then create it. Even if you’re the first one.
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First Monday of Black History Month. I stand inspired by the heroes before me and committed to paving the way for those after me. Growing up, I searched for someone who looked like me, who lived a story like mine, navigating life with a body impairment — and I couldn’t find it. That absence hurt, but it also gave me direction. I realized if I didn’t see the example, I had to become it. I had to build the person that younger Joshua needed to believe in. If you don’t see it, believe it. Then create it. Even if you’re the first one.