In Lou of Women’s History Month, this Making History edition is dedicated to Women Empowerment. For so long women have been behind the curtains calling the shots, and now women are finally being seen and recognized for the work that they’ve done. These are just a few women who have stood out from the crowd.
Aretha Franklin also known as the Queen of Soul, is a multi-taleted pianist and singer. Most popular in the late 1960s, Aretha was making top hits such as the infamous “Respect” which related to the importance of equal rights for all. Not only was Aretha the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but she has also won 18 GRAMMYS. What makes her so unique to other female artists is that she was one of the first women to be number one in a male-dominated genre, making the waves for the people society loves now like Niki Minaj. Aretha was key to the change in the music industry.
Bell Hooks is an author, critic, and activist committed to women’s rights and freedoms. Growing up in a segregated community, she faced many hardships which is why her focus in many books is women’s rights and equality. In fact, she started writing her first book at the age of 19. Her theory centralizes with the thought that all rights are interconnected—you can’t give one group rights that are being deprived of another. Bell Hooks was monumental with the start of the second wave of feminism, trying the change the image and role of women in society.
Nancy Pelosi has been serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for 36 years. During her time she has been the Speaker of the House not once but twice, becoming the first woman to have ever served that role. The House of Representatives is supposed to be a representative body of the nation, however, a very small percentage of the representatives are women even though we are 50% of the population. Nancy’s advancements in Congress have shown mass improvements in politics. Maybe even one day there will be a Madam President.
Greta Thunberg at the ripe age of 20 has made a very impressive name for herself. Greta has Asperger syndrome which makes a person have a fixation on one certain topic. In her case, climate change is at the forefront of her mind. Despite what people may think, Greats’s Asperger syndrome has helped her do things most people will never get to do like talking at a United Nations Meeting or leading a nationwide protest. Her passion for climate change influences many others and has inspired thousands of people to join her cause.
