International Women’s Day was created to celebrate the achievements of women in every facet of life. From economic and social to political and cultural. Too often, women and their stories are relegated to the background and their historical achievements overlooked. As a result, it becomes incumbent upon us as women to elevate and celebrate these stories.
When I began writing Black Women Do: Leaders of the African Diaspora, it was in response to the lack of women within the history curriculum. I wanted to create a book that highlighted the fact that Black women have contributed a lot to the world and that we are everywhere. I wanted my book to be a teaching tool to young girls about excellence and what leadership looks like in different careers and spaces. I wanted girls to see themselves reflected in these stories.
Zozibini Tunzi, Miss Universe 2019 and the first Black woman to win this pageant with her natural hair expressed a similar desire when she stated that there’s nothing more important than teaching young girls to take up space and be leaders in society. I absolutely agree.
So today and everyday share your stories, your achievements and your triumphs and always give a helping hand to the women who come after you.