The Counseling Corner
By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min. M.Th
“Men, their rights, and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less.”
– Susan B. Anthony
March is Women’s History Month. Wikipedia defines Women’s History Month as an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. There are so many amazing women throughout history who have made a significant impact on behalf of women rights, freedom and equality. This month, this column is highlighting some of the contributions of women in history. It is this writer’s prayer that you will share these articles with the young people in your life to encourage and inspire them to go on and do great things!
Susan B. Anthony (1820- 1906)
Susan B. Anthony was a suffragist, abolitionist, author and speaker, who served as President of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Anthony was born on February 15, 1820 in Adams, Massachusetts and worked as a teacher until she went on to become a leading figure in the abolitionist and women’s voting rights movements and worked to end slavery. Anthony’s most notable work is her fight for a woman’s right to vote. It began when Anthony and her family were part of the temperance movement, which wanted the production and sale of alcohol limited or stopped completely. Anthony was inspired to fight for women’s rights while campaigning against alcohol. She was denied the chance to speak at a temperance convention because she was a woman. Anthony realized no one would take women in politics seriously unless women were given the right to vote. Anthony worked tirelessly for this basic right for women. She died in 1906 and women were still not allowed to vote; however, Anthony’s work paved the way for the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote.
Anthony’s work and dedication also led to the U.S. Treasury Department placing Anthony’s portrait on one dollar coins in 1979, making her the first woman to be so honored.1
Contemporary history makers
As we celebrate women history makers, both past and present, we also acknowledge a few contemporary history makers: Viola Davis and Ava DuVernay.
Viola Davis (1965-___).
Growing up in poverty in Rhode Island, oftentimes she didn’t know where her next meal was coming from. Contending with a lot of racial prejudice as a child, and being teased by other classmates because of her race, Viola became the first African American woman to win an Emmy Award for best actress, noting the only thing separating women of color from anyone else is opportunity.
Ava DuVernay (1972-___) is the first black woman nominated for a Golden Globe for best director for her movie Selma. Her documentary 13th was also nominated for an Oscar. She’s also the first woman of color to direct a live-action film with a budget exceeding $100 million (A Wrinkle In Time).
We celebrate Anthony, Davis and DuVernay this Women’s History Month.
1 Sources: Biography.com; History. com
Next Week: Conclusion
The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information or recommendations made in this article, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. This information is for educational purposes only. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
