Woman+Power
There’s power in being a woman. I am convinced that this planet would cease to exist without the strength of women. As Women’s History Month unfolds, I’m reminded of the countless women before me who fought to ensure I would be able to experience certain liberties that they may not have. Voting rights, positions of leadership, civil and human rights, and entrepreneurship opportunities are a fraction of equity, for which women have had to fight. Women like Sojourner Truth, Kamala Harris, Madam C.J. Walker, Stacey Abrams, Mackenzie Scott, Gloria Steinem, Barbara Walters, Soni Sori, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and too many more to name.
All these women, and thousands more, contribute to the ongoing fight for women’s rights. Women are still fighting for what naturally belongs to us–our voices, our bodies, our votes. Being a Black, young adult woman in this world today is challenging. Many work fields are dominated by men and as a woman, attaining leadership positions requires double the work. I’m always ecstatic when finally given the opportunity to work with women leaders. I feel a sense of security when those making decisions that affect me share similar experiences. Collaboration amongst women is an important factor in our activism.
There are countless organizations around the world who dedicate their work to helping women. A Long Walk Home and She the People are two national organizations that have missions rooted in women empowerment and activism. A Long Walk Home was founded in 2003 by sisters Salamishah and Scheherazade Tillet. Their mission is to “elevate marginalized voices, facilitate healing, and activate social change” through working with artists, activists and community organizations. She the People is a community that brings together women across the nation in a “multiracial coalition that will lead the nation into a new political and cultural era.” She the People aims to change non-voters to voters, provide women with a space to network and inspire all to transform our democracy.
In 2020, the country lost a human rights giant–Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She became the first female Jewish Supreme Court justice and is one of only five female justices in U.S. history. Justice Ginsburg fought tirelessly for gender equality and women’s rights and was the first member of the Supreme Court to officiate a same-sex marriage. I’m excited that the film RBG is this month’s Drum Majors for Justice (DMFJ) selection. The film focuses on her life and decorated career as a Supreme Court justice.
Learning the stories of the women before me inspires me in everything that I do. I’m always questioning what I want my legacy to be and how I can influence other women to persevere and fight every day. As Women’s History month comes to an end, it’s important that we celebrate, support and uplift one another throughout the year.
Five Films to Watch this Month
Written by: Tamia Smith, Social Media and Digital Marketing Intern, Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival
Art Credit: Elle at ellestreetart.com