Guest blog by Kama Mitchell, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Rootead, a United Way partner agency.
March is Women’s History Month.
Honestly, before this year, I never paid attention to it. I have spent most of my adult life in survival mode as a woman of color raising two sons on much less than a living wage.
As we see political and racial discord spread across all forms of media, it is imperative that we see the role of women in a brighter and bigger light. We must highlight the force of nature that is woman. Every day, I see women make history, and there are not enough days, months or years to showcase all of my female heroes. Here are two I am currently reading about:
- Leymah Gbowee: Her memoir is called “Mighty Be Our Powers.” I am so inspired by her work but most importantly — her resilience. Resilience is deep in the mind, hearts and bones of women. We blaze trails, lead nations, movements and families. Without women, there is none of that. Gbowee, a peace activist, had her four children during a war, continued her education and then taught other women to empower themselves. Her leadership of the women’s peace movement, Women of Liberia Mass Action for Peace, helped bring an end to civil war in Liberia in 2003. Hear Gbowee speak at this year’s PeaceJam Great Lakes Youth Conference April 14-15 at Western Michigan University.
- Adrienne Maree Brown: Her self-help book – “Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds” — reminds us that change is as constant as the natural seasons. Radical collaboration and love will allow us to be resilient in the ebbs and flows of our life, our planet, our humanity.
It is so important to know the history of the women that have come before us so we may be inspired, strategic, resilient and educated.
I am so honored to be a woman and live in a role of mother, doula and activist. I am very sure that if all women knew their power and had the privilege to wield it, we would have a healthier world.