Nikki Reed Instagram – The heaviness I feel in my heart from the passing of my friend and hero, Dr Jane Goodall, is immense. She not only shaped the way I view the world, and my personal approach to activism, but also showed us the true power of kindness as a way to ignite change through unity. So much of advocacy can feel black or white, but Jane showed us the beauty of the grey. She was both fierce and fearless in her conviction, yet kind to those whose opinions differed, hoping connection would create compassion which would in turn awaken change. Over the years, I’ve done my best to model that approach, entirely inspired by her. Just Tuesday, I was looking at dates to visit her in Gombe, as she invited me to stay and see her work firsthand. I’ll forever regret not making it out there sooner.
I’ve traveled to hear her speak, watched her documentaries, and read her books. She is and will always be my hero, as she is for so many who believe in a better world. I urge you, if you haven’t already, to explore her @rootsandshoots program and see the life-changing work she did with young people, shaping minds and hearts as we imagine what our future could look like. Beyond all else, I believe this is the legacy she would most want to live on.
Lastly, Dr Jane Goodall often spoke about the interconnectedness of life. More than once, I was left with this beautiful visual of how we truly are all one. She painted a mural with her words, of forests, oceans, and animals, encouraging us to see it as a living tapestry. When one species goes, it’s like pulling a thread. There are only so many threads. We’re unraveling. But Dr Goodall gave us hope. Let’s promise to continue her work, as if the mission were ours all along.
Over the years, I have shared many thoughts and reflections on the impact Dr. Jane Goodall has had on me, so I want to reshare something I wrote around 2019 that sums up the profound effect she had on me, and so many others. She will be forever loved, forever missed, and her work will live on…
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Photos from @janegoodallinst | Posted on 03/Oct/2025 12:56:28
