I would inspire a “Legacy Literacy Movement.” A national initiative teaching youth to trace their lineage, document their family’s contributions, and build intergenerational wealth through history, creativity, and ownership. Knowing where you come from changes how you walk into the world.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shanna Ward is an author, family historian, and fifth-generation descendant of abolitionist John T. Ward. Driven by early curiosity about her family’s legacy, she spent years uncovering the untold story of her ancestor — a conductor on the Underground Railroad, Civil War military supplier, and founder of America’s oldest Black-owned business still operating today. In her debut book, The Bequest of John T. Ward, she brings his remarkable legacy to life through deep research and vivid storytelling. Beyond her historical work, Shanna is a committed advocate for Black economic empowerment, legacy-building, and historical reclamation.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I never set out to become an author or historian — I set out to answer a family question. My grandfather and father often spoke about our ancestor, John T. Ward, a man who helped fugitives find freedom along the Underground Railroad and later founded one of the oldest Black-owned businesses in America. When I started researching him, I realized I wasn’t just uncovering my family’s story — I was uncovering a missing chapter of American history. That discovery turned into a calling: to preserve, publish, and amplify the truth of those who came before us so that new generations understand the legacy they inherit.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
During my research, I located a handwritten letter John T. Ward wrote in 1844 to The Palladium of Liberty newspaper, celebrating the emancipation of Haiti. Reading his actual words — his voice across time — was life-changing. That moment reshaped how I saw my work. It became clear that my mission wasn’t only about history; it was about restoration — restoring pride, identity, and agency to stories erased or overlooked.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first began public speaking about my research, I brought a slide deck full of 50+ documents — dates, archives, maps — thinking the audience wanted proof. Mid-presentation, the projector froze, and I had to speak from memory. What happened next surprised me: the crowd leaned in, not because of data, but because of emotion. I learned that storytelling, not statistics, moves people to action. The lesson: people remember how you made them feel more than what you showed them.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
Through The Bequest of John T. Ward project, I bridge history with youth engagement. We partner with inner-city teens, empowering them through music, storytelling, and performance. They study historical figures — from Sojourner Truth to John T. Ward — and bring those stories to life on stage and in song. Our upcoming event, Legacy & Liberty, blends education with art, showing young people that they are the continuation of a legacy of resilience, innovation, and excellence.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
A 15-year-old student once told me, “I didn’t know we had heroes like that — I thought all our stories started with struggle.” After performing in our Black Resilience showcase, she said she now sees herself as part of something powerful, not broken. That moment reaffirmed why I do this — to replace narratives of limitation with narratives of legacy.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Fund historical literacy programs — not just for schools, but for communities.
Preserve Black historic sites — memory lives in the land.
Invest in youth storytelling initiatives — when children tell their own history, they rewrite the future.
Fund Business development programs
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
Your vision will outgrow your comfort zone. Growth often feels like chaos before it feels like clarity.
Protect your peace like intellectual property. Not everyone who praises your mission protects it.
You don’t need everyone — you need alignment. Purpose attracts the right people at the right time.
Rest is part of the work. Burnout doesn’t make you brave — balance does.
Document everything. Stories, contracts, awards and moments — all of it becomes your legacy.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Legacy is not what you leave behind, it’s what you build while you’re here.”
That line came to me during a late night of writing. It’s a reminder that I’m not just preserving my ancestors’ stories — I’m constructing the bridge that future generations will cross.
And
“Seek Truth”
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?
I’d love to share breakfast with Dr Claud Anderson. He embodies storytelling as liberation. His ability to merge history, politics, and purpose is something I deeply admire — and I’d love to discuss how stories like John T. Ward’s can be shared on a global scale.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I would inspire a “Legacy Literacy Movement.” A national initiative teaching youth to trace their lineage, document their family’s contributions, and build intergenerational wealth through history, creativity, and ownership. Knowing where you come from changes how you walk into the world.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow my work at:
📘 The Bequest of John T. Ward (available on Amazon here)
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Author Shanna Ward Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.