Detailed Breakdown:

1. “Michael Jackson died with no will. Prince died with no will. Aretha Franklin died with no will. Last week, I had to bury Angie Stone with no will.”
   • This opening line calls attention to the high-profile figures who passed away without having prepared a will. These names—Michael Jackson, Prince, Aretha Franklin—are instantly recognizable and carry significant weight in popular culture. The mention of Angie Stone, a respected figure in the music world, personalizes the message and emphasizes that this issue isn’t just for the wealthy and famous but affects everyone.
2. “You got to make sure that you are leaving something for your children.”
   • This line directly addresses the listener, emphasizing the importance of creating a legacy for future generations. It shifts the focus from individual wealth to ensuring that the next generation has something to build upon, whether it’s assets, knowledge, or resources.
3. “Doctor Sharp, 87% of Black children don’t know the names of their great-grandparents. Why? Because they didn’t leave them anything. Because we haven’t created any legacy for those that are coming behind.”
   • This statistic serves as a powerful wake-up call. Dr. Sharp’s words highlight a generational gap, suggesting that a lack of legacy or succession planning leads to the loss of family history and connection. The argument here is not just about financial inheritance, but also about the cultural, historical, and emotional inheritance that families leave behind.
4. “Y’all gotta get your stuff in order. Y’all ain’t saying… I said you better get your business right.”
   • The speaker urges the listener to take action, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility in ensuring a secure future for their family. There’s a sense of urgency in the message—this isn’t something to procrastinate on.
5. “You’re too old to not have stuff in order. So now, GoFundMe is not a plan. You got that?”
   • This line challenges the idea of relying on crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe as a primary means of financial planning or legacy building. It’s a sharp critique of the notion that the community should bear the burden of funeral expenses or financial uncertainty after a loved one’s death. It insists that one should have a concrete plan in place, far beyond relying on others to make up for what was not properly arranged.
6. “Hey Cortana, care where you work or what you do, make sure that you got your paperwork.”
   • This line serves as a reminder to stay organized and have the necessary documentation, no matter one’s job or status. The mention of “Cortana,” the virtual assistant, adds a modern touch, implying that technology should be used to help stay on top of one’s affairs.
7. “The book of Proverbs says a good man leaves an inheritance.”
   • By referencing the Bible, the speaker roots the argument in a moral and spiritual framework. The use of Proverbs—known for its wisdom—reinforces the idea that legacy-building isn’t just a practical matter, but a moral one as well.
8. “You got to make sure that you are leaving something for your children.”
   • The repetition of this statement reinforces the main message—ensure that you’re not just working for your own benefit, but for the generations to come. This is about responsibility and foresight.

Analysis:

This speech is a call to action, encouraging individuals—particularly within the Black community—to take control of their legacy and ensure that they leave something for their descendants. The speaker uses the examples of famous figures who died without wills to illustrate how even those who appear to have everything can still leave their families in disarray if they fail to plan for the future. The deaths of Michael Jackson, Prince, Aretha Franklin, and Angie Stone serve as cautionary tales, showing that no one is immune to the need for proper planning, regardless of wealth or fame.

The statistic from Dr. Sharp is a poignant illustration of how the lack of legacy planning has affected Black families. The 87% of Black children who don’t know the names of their great-grandparents represent a disconnect, not just in terms of family history, but also in terms of the knowledge and resources passed down through generations. This lack of a familial legacy can be seen as a systemic issue, where opportunities to pass down not only wealth but also wisdom, cultural heritage, and emotional support are missed.

The speaker emphasizes that GoFundMe should not be the fallback plan, making it clear that relying on others to finance a funeral or other final expenses is not an acceptable solution. This reinforces the idea that personal responsibility is key, and it’s better to plan ahead and have everything in order rather than leaving it up to chance.

The reference to Proverbs further strengthens the message by tapping into spiritual and moral guidance, suggesting that leaving a legacy is not only a practical matter but a virtuous one. The idea of inheritance is not limited to money—it extends to family traditions, values, and the preservation of identity. A good man leaves not just material wealth, but something deeper for those who come after him.

Ultimately, the message is about empowerment. By making sure that you have your affairs in order—whether that’s through a will, proper documentation, or financial planning—you are taking control of your future and the future of those you love. It’s about creating a legacy that will benefit not only your immediate family but generations down the line. This speech is a reminder that our lives and actions don’t end with us; they ripple outward, shaping the paths of those who follow.