Dear Youth Represent Community,
It is with great sadness that we share in the news of the passing of Norman Lear, a legendary producer, writer, and activist who inspired generations with his groundbreaking shows and his social justice advocacy. Norman was not only a visionary, but also a longtime friend and a supporter of Youth Represent. His daughter, Maggie Lear, is our Board Chair and a passionate leader who carries on her father’s legacy of courage and compassion.
Norman was a champion of civil rights, women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and many other causes that aligned with our mission at Youth Represent. We are deeply grateful for Norman's friendship and his contribution to our mission. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, especially to Maggie, who is a guiding light for our organization. We honor Norman's memory by continuing his work and his spirit of hope and joy.
I want to share a personal story that illustrates Norman's humility and his love for his family. About 10 years ago, we had an event at Maggie's home, where we invited some of the young people we serve to meet our board members and supporters. One of our clients was talking with Norman, who was very interested in his life story and his aspirations. The client started to notice that everyone was making a point to say hi to Norman and making a big fuss around him… the young person finally asked Norman who he was and why people were all saying hi. Norman smiled and said, "Oh I'm Maggie's Dad."
That moment has stuck with me over the years, because it showed how Norman was not defined by his fame or his achievements, but by his relationships and his values. He was a man who cared deeply about his family and his community, and who treated everyone with respect and kindness. He was a man who inspired us all to be better.
Maggie told me about a quote that he would say whenever he faced a challenge or a loss in his life. He would say, "Over, next." This means that whatever happened, it was over, and he had to move on to the next thing. He did not dwell on the past, but focused on the present and the future. He did not let anything stop him from living his life to the fullest. He did not give up on his dreams or his values. He did not lose his sense of humor or his optimism.
This quote is a powerful reminder of Norman's resilience and his wisdom. It is also a message of hope and courage for all of us who are grieving his absence. He may be gone, but he is not forgotten. He lives on through his family, his friends, his fans, and his work. And he lives on through Youth Represent, which shares his passion and his mission.
To you Norman, and your incredible family, friends, and community, we send our love.
Mike