Bob Marley, Greatness Inspires Greatness

Photographer: Tom Hill/Wire Image/Getty Images

February 6, on what would have been Bob Marley's 74th birthday, we remember the legend. As one of the early pioneers of reggae music and the ambassador of Rastafarian spiritually and culture, we salute his bravery.

Taking a path less traveled in art and culture is a challenging feat. And when a person is selected to transport the message while leading this new pathway for others, well it is a perilous expedition.

Particularly when the path parts as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny “Wailer” Livingston navigate separate roads. Although it is common place to perceive this as situation of conflict, perhaps this intensified and amplified the movement of Rastafari and reggae music. They materialized a prismatic sphere, which encircled the world in reggae, love, unity, and justice. Striking.

To this impressive fusion of time, place, and space, also designates moments of silent stress. Because this is life. Consequently, even for the experienced this shift in approach necessitates a fine-tuning of the mind and actions. But we know the prevailing achievements because we live in the space of reggae and Rastafari through our philosophies and movements everyday.

Today, is very much like many other days that we mention the great achievements of Bob Marley. Reflect for a moment, daily we make references to Bob Marley. We quote his statements. Wear his image. And we post large size formats in our home that outsize the representation of our closest relations.

But it is also of interest to know if he felt this level of love when he was making a way into the public sphere. And was this love powerful enough to alleviate his pain when he had fallen ill, exhausted from touring, long rehearsals, and separated from his family?

Often, the messenger, although solid in conscience, begins the journey under and on galvanized rocks of oppression. Respect is not immediately granted. It is attained through countless setbacks. It takes a brave heart to follow through, especially, when there is little knowledge or guarantee of the promise much less the reward is fully perceived or accepted as the truth by others.

So, while we mark this day of celebration, let us make it remarkable by remembering the greatness of Bob Marley's bravery. And be inspired by his greatness to continue your journey in art, culture, and life. You might not feel the love or recognize your impact until many years later. And this might be alright, as long as the greatness in your work inspires greatness .