Building on Legacy: The Origin Story of Intangible Treasures

Nearly two decades as an advocate for children have shown me the deep connection we all need to the history and legacy of advocating for children and families. As the child advocate and owner of business that creates legacy products, when I view the work of our lifetimes without the context of history, I feel pressure to fix everything now. None of us start from scratch in advocacy. We take the work of previous generations, carry it forward, or fight to maintain polices that have support children and families for decades. Advocacy is a marathon of small wins that build programs, institutions, systems, and agencies to support families and children. We build on the strategies and efforts of generations before us. Scholars, researchers, and advocates who came before us laid the groundwork in knowledge, policies, and data related to racial equity, social justice, and child development. This legacy makes our work possible, meaningful, and joyful.

I first discovered legacy as my second calling from my work as an advocate for children and families. Not only is advocacy less meaningful without legacy, it’s less impactful. I never wrote a policy paper without consulting mentors who had 30 or 40 more years of experience and historical knowledge than me. Without understanding history, I couldn't gauge if I was truly bringing innovation to the field, playing it too safe, or repeating a mistake that leaders learned from in the past. Fighting for justice can feel like a burden if it seems like you're fighting alone or don't have perspective from those who came before you.

As advocates, we build on each other's love, wisdom, and resilience, and what has been passed down through generations. The children we fight for today are supported not only by our efforts but by a long line of thinkers, dreamers, and doers who made strides in understanding how our brains develop, how we nurture children, and how we shape a better society. These efforts are not isolated—they are part of a long arc of justice, one that has been shaped by civil rights leaders, child advocates, and women’s rights activists who, despite facing immense opposition, pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

At Intangible Treasures, our foundation lies in the belief that none of us stand alone—we are the continuation of those who came before us. This sense of community, rooted in a deep love for children and a profound respect for legacy, has shaped every part of Intangible Treasures. The work we do is not about pulling the weight alone—it’s about standing with those who came before us, and those who will come after. The legacy we carry forward is rich with joy, healing, and hope. As we celebrate Black History Month and Women’s History Month, we honor the legacy of those who fought for equality, justice, and dignity—and we recognize how their work continues to empower us in our daily advocacy.

Author: Cemeré James

www.yourintangibletreasures.com

@intangibletreasures