First, I want to take a minute to recognize names. Names of women who have paved the way and are still paving the way to tell their story and the story of other women who sacrificed and made a difference for all black lives especially black women today.
Michelle Browder
Reverand Carolyn McKinstry
Mrs. Annie Pearl
Dr. Lynda Blackmon Lowery
Did you know that 1870 was the first year African Americans in the United States could choose a last name? Before then we were only given first names, or called boy, girl, and negro. I felt proud to find my last name on the National Monument to Freedom wall in Montgomery, Alabama; and my mother’s maiden name. It brings great dignity and honor to the family name to know the trials and tribulations that were endured to have that name displayed.
One common theme I continue to hear from the women trailblazers is the power to change is kept within one’s access and motivation to read. Not just read anything but to read about one’s own history/culture and where your ancestors came from will heighten one’s intellect and understanding to compare and analyze the world we live in today. When you are able to learn about yourself you can begin to develop compassionate criticality. You can begin to see yourself as a change maker in society to free self from then mental chains of oppression. In the words of Reverend Carolyn McKinstry, “ Some things are not open for interpretation”. It is what it is. When you put love in God and love your neighbors as you would yourself, humanization takes lead and supersedes.