About Leah
—She/Her/Hers—
Since humans were able to think critically, there has been an imminent global discussion around the impact of words, how words define art, how art defines beauty, and, of course, how beauty defines life. While this impact holds weight and truth, sometimes this conversation lacks simplicity. Words define us. It’s as simple as a name. Names define who we are, how we are, and what we are. No word is more powerful than a name.
I’ve been named many things: to most, I am Leah; legally, I am Leah Marie; my childhood friends and sister call me Lele (when we aren’t fighting). I am Le Lou Marrou to my aunts, and I was Eah to my brother before he could pronounce his L’s. I’ve been Le to past flings and Miss Musgrave to my students. I hold as many as five legal names, but typically it's all reduced to one syllable. Names are our individual unspoken story.
The Human Digest prioritizes the names behind those writing the next definition of art, of beauty, of discourse. THD not only values the impact of the words being written but also the names of those who wrote them. That story deserves to be told with equal value and weight. What does your name mean? Were you named? Who named you? How will you name others?
As I continue to advance my political and academic journey, I find it easy to become just another speck in the machine working to define the current status quo we occupy. I see more discouragement in the writing being produced than in honest, real, hard conversations, which leads to the possibility of dedicated, specific, and meaningful change. The goal of writing is to inspire, challenge, and change. I hope you find the time to read, digest, interact, and write with pieces like those posted here, which aim to do just that.
In Spring 2026, my name will be listed on two BA diplomas, one for Women and Ethnic Studies with a minor in Pre-Law and the second for Global Politics with a minor in Asian Studies. I plan to use these to propel me into working with marginalized, underrepresented, and disadvantaged communities and youth on a global scale. I will pursue a JD in Space & International Law and continue advocating for greater diversity of names in those spaces. But, enough about my name, where will I see yours? I hope to see you taking up space; if nothing else… write about it.
- Leah Marie Marguerite Murray-Musgrave or just Leah