Bi-weekly Brief: February 7, 2017
Brought to you by Women's Campaign Fund
“At the time I was arrested I had no idea it would turn into this. It was just a day like any other day. The only thing that made it significant was that the masses of the people joined in.” –Rosa Parks
I think it’s hard not to have a big crush on any woman (or man) who affects positive social change, especially on behalf of women. Unsurprisingly, Rosa Parks is among my many favorites. The moment she bared her badass side to the world and refused to give up her seat on that bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking the American Civil Rights Movement in 1955, I got the best kind of butterflies in my stomach. Didn’t you? So, in light of Black History Month and the values that she stood up (and sat down) for, I’m dedicating this letter to her. If you are a big Rosa Parks fan too, you’ll like these.
Speaking of great women…
Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg, donated $1,000,000 to Planned Parenthood after President Trump reinstated the “global gag rule”. Her commitment to women’s healthcare, and our ability to access it, is wonderful. I’m just disappointed that women have to reinforce the importance of it. In any case, her words in The Huffington Post are both uplifting and illuminating. Pro tip: follow her on Facebook for more insight and updates.
These black women could shape the future of Alabama
In November, nine black women were elected to serve as circuit and district judges in Alabama. I celebrated quietly to myself when it happened, but – you guys (gals)! – New York Magazine interviewed eight of the judges. Knowing these women will preside over important cases thrills me. To more women in positions of leadership! *Raises glass*
Rex Tillerson: “When you empower women…you change the future of the country”
As we’ve known for quite some time (ever?), putting women in leadership positions is a smart move. Rex Tillerson, former CEO of ExxonMobil and current Secretary of State, knows this. Now that he’s sworn in, maybe he will prod the Trump administration to hire more women to high-ranking positions. I’d say the Alabama story above supports his point.
The smartest, sassiest account in the Twitterverse is “manned” by a woman
Yep, @MerriamWebster is managed by a woman. And she gets the lovely free reign of tweeting pointed remarks in relation to a broad topic: words. This interview with her on Vox is wonderful and I smiled the whole way. My favorite line: “If you don’t believe that words matter, why are you consulting a dictionary?”
We won’t go back!
I’ll leave you with this video from the Ms Foundation for Women. The message is loud and clear, and it reiterates the importance of supporting women now more than ever. It’s easy to get behind the sentiment here. If you agree, you might put your money where your mouth is.
