Celebrating Women's History Month
Written by: Cecilia Scott-Croff & Dr. Michelle Payne
As I reflect on the significance of Women's History Month, a particular song comes to mind. Written by the late James Brown and Betty Jean Newsome, the lyrics flow,
"This is a man's world.
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing, not one little thing, without a woman or a girl
He’s lost in the wilderness,
He's lost in bitterness, he's lost, lost"
Powerful are these words which echo the sentiment that Women play a pivotal role in our culture and society. Forbearers of a history that cannot be erased, it is women who have led the way in every caveat of life. From Rosa Parks to Angela Davis, Celia Cruz to Billie Holiday, Hattie McDaniel to Cicely Tyson, Judith Jameson to Misty Copeland, Maya Angelou to Toni Morrison, and Mary Jackson to Mae C. Jemison, women have paved the way. Our songs, our stories, and the legacies we leave behind continue to empower and most certainly leave an indelible mark on the world.
Women are symbolically synonymous with the term "Nurturer." Black women in particular have embodied this term here in the states and abroad, oftentimes serving as wet nurses for the babes of those who perpetuated and benefitted from systems of indentured servitude. BIPOC and non-BIPOC women today stand united in the fight for equal pay, inclusion in corporate and academic institutions, and the upholding of laws that protect and honor women's bodies such as Roe vs. Wade. Women recognize the need for solidarity and the fact that together their voices cannot be muted. Women continue to be on the front lines as harbingers of change.
There is an ever-growing need for women to proliferate on the world's stage. We need more lawyers, judges, politicians, doctors, nurses, educators, scientists, mathematicians, artists, and creatives. Individually we can affect change, but collectively, we move mountains. Called to change the dynamics of a world in need of care, women must continue to persist.
As a Black woman, a mother, an educator, and a leader we cannot begin to surmise the great contributions of early care and educators. Let us utilize this time, this season to uplift and call out the names of those who have cared for, sacrificed, empowered, and influenced our amazing children. Let us continue to be bold, to be great, and encouraged in our work. We are not forsaken or forgotten. We are powerful, brave, resilient, and unstoppable. We see you; we love you, and we appreciate you! Happy Women's History Month.