I had little to no knowledge of fashion designer Coco Chanel before starting this post. I only knew her name as part of the 21st century zeit geist, mostly a result of her signature perfume scent Chanel No. 5. But after hearing how she set out to bring practicality to women’s fashion, I knew I had to learn more.Although Coco is perhaps best known for her Chanel No. 5, it is her development of fashion that intrigues me. The clothing designed for women, especially the suits, brings in the practicality of male fashion to meet the aesthetic sensibilities that suited Coco’s taste. Women’s clothing had previously been confining and restrictive. But Coco changed the rules and brought new silhouettes and material into women’s fashion.
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If you were to ask me who I admire most in the American music industry today, my immediate response would be: Brittany Howard. That's not a name you expected, right? Right now, you might be digging in the recesses of your brain, trying to remember who that is. Or you're probably wondering why I didn't say Taylor Swift or Beyoncé or someone of that caliber. But let me explain who Brittany Howard is. Brittany is the lead singer and a guitarist for Alabama Shakes. Alabama Shakes is a Grammy-nominated blues rock/soul band, and Brittany is the head honcho for the five-person band. She's the only female. And she's the only person of color. Brittany grew up in farmlands of Athens, Georgia, in a trailer with her mom, dad, and sister. When Brittany was 21, the band formed in 2009 as a sort of garage band. Until the band's big break, Brittany worked for the U.S. postal service. Quitting her job to follow her dreams with the band was a big risk, but it resulted in a record signing with Dave Matthews' label. Since the release of their first album Boys & Girls in 2012, the band has skyrocketed into fame, gaining a Grammy nomination and a spot on SNL within three years. A description from a Rolling Stone article accurately describes Brittany: "[Brittany is] a sort of soul-queen anti-diva, not afraid to sweat, howl, rock Rubenesque curves, shred on her turquoise Gibson SG or bust geeky dance moves." I attended an Alabama Shakes concert in June 2015, and this description is right on the money. Brittany was fearless on that stage; she played and sang her heart out, and she expressed that passion in the most authentic way. It's clear no one has told her how to express herself. Her moves are not choreographed, and her music does not belong to a songwriter that's trying to write the next radio hit. It's all her, raw and real, and that's what makes Brittany and her music so magnetic. For people in the music industry trying to make it, it's easy to lose yourself and let the industry tell you who you are. But Brittany doesn't succumb to that. She is herself, in her music and dance moves and fashion and personality. And it makes me want to be just like her.
I hope to instill that fearless passion in my everyday life and not succumb to what the media demands of me. I think when we are fearlessly ourselves, that's when we can achieve the most success. Role models like Brittany show us it's possible—and that it's the best way to live. In 2014, Becky Hammon became the first female full-time assistant coach in the NBA. And it doesn’t look like she’s stopping there. Hammon had a strong start with the Colorado State basketball team. She helped them advance to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen and was inducted into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame. After college, she plunged into a professional playing career with the WNBA and made multiple trips to the Olympics (2008 and 2012 with the Russian team). Her skills as a player are undeniable. But her time on the court was only the beginning for Hammon. She had long been interested in coaching but did not get the chance until 2013 when she was relegated to a year of recovery due to a ligament tear. She began attending San Antonio Spurs practices, coaching meetings, and games, where she was able to share her opinions and make contributions. Photo credit: Bahram Mark Sobhani, AP of USA Today A year later, Hammon was hired on as a full-time assistant coach, making history in the NBA. But that’s not all. In 2015, she was named head coach for the NBA summer league and led the Spurs to the Las Vegas Summer League title—another first. Based on Hammon’s drive as a player and as an assistant coach, there is no way she will be stopped here. Many are already betting she will be the first head coach in NBA history somewhere down the line. And she’s put in her dues prepping for it: about a decade and counting. An interview with CNN’s Poppy Harlow does a great job revealing Hammon’s drive and focus. It’s clear she recognizes how important this step is in order for her to be a head coach for the NBA, but Hammon also knows all she can do is keep chipping away. When Hammon was growing up, there was no WNBA and no way to conceptualize a professional basketball career for women. But so much has changed since then and now Hammon finds herself pushing against that glass ceiling in the NBA. I think this should inspire us all not to feel limited by the present circumstances. If we keep bringing our passions and talents to the places that energize us, we can continue to make strides for proving women’s equality in all things and ingenuity in getting there. They may not take us exactly where we expect, but an openness to new possibilities and ways of enacting change will keep us moving forward. We are required to be creative when trying to work our way into unexplored spaces for women. Hammon marks another first for women and shows a continued drive forward in a place where she is passionate. When asked about working up to the head coach position, Hammon responded, “I can tell you right now it is about learning. It is about being a sponge and soaking everything up.” This is what we must do: soak it all up. Anything and everything that someone can teach us. And then use it. Grow it. Build it up into something amazing that will show how resourceful and strong women can be.
We're sticking with a political theme this week (appropriate for this time of year) as we highlight Senator Hattie Caraway. Caraway was the first female to serve a full term as a United States Senator. (Rebecca Latimer Felton was the very first female Senator. She served for one day in 1922.) And what state did Hattie Caraway serve? Surprisingly enough, Arkansas! Before we delve into Caraway's achievements, I want to preface this post: Senator Caraway did not support everything that a modern-day progressive would like. That makes this a little harder than writing a post for someone whom I agree with on all major points. But it's important to recognize that even though my values and Caraway's values don't match up on every point, I can still respect and honor what she's established for women in history. And now, let's begin! Hattie Caraway, born in Tennessee in 1878, spent most of her married life in Jonesboro, Arkansas. There, her husband, Thaddeus Caraway, held office as a U.S. representative and U.S. Senator for the Democratic party. In December 1931 during his second term, Thaddeus died. Following the custom of the time, his widow, Hattie, took over his role as senator. Most widows held the Senator seat as a placeholder while another person (read: a man) prepared to run for the special election. But Hattie wasn't so keen to give up her seat yet. She ran in the special election in January 1932, and she won. In May 1932, she announced her plan to run for re-election, to the surprise of many. Caraway wrote her thoughts about the 1932 election in her journal: "The time has passed when a woman should be placed in a position and kept there only while someone else is being groomed for the job. [I plan to test] my own theory of a woman running for office." And in November 1932, Caraway won the Senate of her own accord. Running for a second term in 1938, she ran against Representative John L. McClellan, whose campaign slogan was, "Arkansas needs another man in the senate." But guess what: Hattie won and served another six-year term for Arkansas. In several ways, Senator Caraway was progressive. She supported most of FDR's New Deal reforms (many supported Arkansas farmers) and was the first woman to support and vote for the Equal Rights Amendment in 1943. She worked on many assignments with the Commerce Committee and the Committee on Agriculture and Forestry. She was also the Chair of the Enrolled Bills Committee, making her the first woman to chair a committee in the Senate. Here comes the tricky part about Senator Caraway. She joined her fellow Southern Democrats in opposing anti-lynching legislation and anti-poll tax measures. I could make excuses for her, saying it was because of the culture she grew up in—which is partially true. However, her political leanings led to the deprivation of basic rights to African-Americans and the deaths of many, and for that, this part of her legacy is tainted. No one is perfect, and we should never gloss over someone's faults just to paint her or him in a perfect light. But we can still recognize the good they established while critiquing their faults. Arkansas Senator Hattie Caraway made U.S. history when she showed America that a woman could run for office of her own accord and win—twice. Sources: history.house.gov encyclopediaofarkansas.net The recent news cycles have me thinking about women in politics. Whether it’s the recent article about Obama’s female staffer (which includes a great link to Shine Theory!) or just living in the political moment of having our first female presidential nominee, there’s a lot going on for women to take in when it comes to reading up on politics. It got me thinking about the women who gave us these beginnings and what it took them to get there. Ella T. Grasso was the first woman to be elected governor of a state without having been married to the previous governor. She was governor of Connecticut from 1974 – 1980, resigning in the middle of her second due to illness. Grasso was the first woman elected to the office in her own right. This achievement was not her only “first” in the political arena, though it is no doubt her most famous. Photo: STF/GT from CT Post Grasso went to Mount Holyoke College, a women’s college in Massachusetts, where she gained a B.A. and M.A. in economics and sociology, preparing her for a lifetime of government engagement. Her political climb began at the Connecticut House of Reps in 1952, peaked at her election as governor, and did not end until she passed away in 1981. Although there were other female governors before Grasso, I think it is important to note Grasso’s achievement of not succeeding a husband who was governor. The other women who acted as governors or held the office overcame their own challenges, though I find Grasso’s particularly inspiring. She came into the campaign without the vouching of a politically connected husband. Thomas Grasso was a teacher and principal, not a political name. Grasso worked the political game all on her own and became a well-respected figure in Connecticut’s political landscape. Although not all of her political standings would necessarily be considered feminist, her symbol as woman who has overcome adversity within government merits recognition. She came from humble beginnings and got there on her own, becoming a stand-alone female political. The material about Grasso’s life reveals her to be woman of strength and determination. I think this is exactly the combination required of any woman trying to make her way in the political arena. Or any woman trying to make her way through the world. We must stand on our own two feet and take a look the work to be done around us.
Even if we are burgeoning into new territory, which we seem to be doing daily, I take immense strength from knowing that so many women have gone before me to be their own kind of “first.” What’s stopping me from doing the same? Want to read more about Ella T. Grasso? NY Times article on Grasso Want to learn more about other female governors? List of Female Governors in the United States This past September 11th marks the 15th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. As we dwell on the horror, sadness, and grief the day brings, we also remember the brave men and women who risked their lives to save others. Except, honestly, we don't always see women—not as the heroes, anyways. We typically see the male heroes. Whether it's in photos or memorials or statues, the police officers and firefighters we see are generally male. Which is fair, because the majority of the police and fire departments nationwide are male dominated, as was the NYC police and fire departments at the time of the attacks. This post is to highlight a few brave women whose stories may not always be shared because so many other stories overshadowed theirs. But these women were there on September 11, 2001, and they risked themselves for others on this unforgettable day. Moira Smith Police Officer Moira A. Smith worked for the 13th Precinct in NYC. On 9/11, she stood in Tower 2 and guided people with a flashlight to the exit. In the hysteria and confusion, people say Moira stayed calm and concentrated as she showed people the way to the exit. Moira died as the tower collapsed, and her body was never found. She was the only female member of the NYPD to die in the 9/11 attacks. Moira Smith also played an important role in a subway crash in 1991, where over 100 people were injured. She helped save dozens of lives in that tragedy as well. For her heroic actions in 9/11, Moira earned the NYPD's highest award, the Medal of Honor. Terri Tobin Lieutenant Terri Tobin of the NYPD was sent to the scene of the towers to work as a press coordinator. While she was there, the second tower was hit. Her instinct to help kicked in—Terri ignored her wounds and began helping others to safety. She ran to a nearby apartment building and started an evacuation process to get them out and to a safer place By the end of the day, Terri had a broken ankle, a piece of cement in lodged in the back of her head, and a window pane stuck in her back. Through her injuries and pain, Terri helped save hundreds of lives with her evacuation experience, authority, and courage. For Terri's bravery and willpower, she earned a Medal of Valor from the NYPD. These are just a couple of women who saved lives, did their jobs, and risked part or all of themselves in the face of tragedy. And there were so many more women who were there—firefighters, first responders, volunteers, bystanders, police officers, and so many more. The female faces of these heroes do not always get recognized, but they were there. And they helped save lives. We recognize and remember these women. Sources: NYPDAngels.com, Investors.com Nashville recently unveiled a statue commemorating the women’s suffrage efforts and success. Tennessee was the last state to ratify the 19th Amendment, resulting in all American women gaining the right to vote. The monument features five key, Tennessee women who were actively involved in the efforts. There is also a plaque recognizing three significant female political leaders, allowed to serve in office because of this amendment. This monument was placed in a highly trafficked park with the hope of drawing as many admiring eyes as possible. The U.S. was within one vote of making the 19th amendment part of the Constitution, and Tennessee was the golden ticket for its ratification. I recently heard a story about this ratification that I couldn’t help investigating a little further… Women’s suffrage was ratified on August 26, 1920. Not only was the country split down the middle, frighteningly close to not passing the bill as an amendment, but Tennessee was split down the middle as well. Its decision would decide for the country. The Tennessee Senate had already stamped their seal of approval, but the House was less than thrilled about the amendment. House Rep Harry Burn ended up being the man of the moment, saying the single “aye” to break the tie and make women’s vote constitutional. But behind his approval was a note his mother had written that morning. Ms. Phoebe Ensminger Burn wrote to him, “Hurrah, and vote for suffrage! Don’t keep them in doubt. I notice some of the speeches against. They were bitter. I have been watching to see how you stood, but have not noticed anything yet… [be] a good boy and help Mrs. Catt put the ‘rat’ in ratification.” Her words persuaded her son, and he did vote for the amendment’s passing, and made history. It amazes me that I had never heard this story before. There are so many women besides Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Lucy Stone (a new one for me) who pushed the issues of women’s equality forward. There are so many stories like this one of Ms. Febb, of those five Tennessee women, and of the countless others who increased awareness of women’s right to vote—and we only know a handful. I am glad to my state stepping up to say this is a momentous and recognizable part of our history. We should strive to be like Ms. Febb. We shouldn't seek fame or recognition or Facebook shares along the way. It’s too easy to get caught up in being associated with the success of a movement, initiative, or even just a good idea at work. What counts is the equality, justice, and goodness of what follows. These early 1900s women showed immense bravery in the face of intense, vocal opposition. I can only hope to be as brave and selfless, all the while knowing that it is not for me that I march or protest or write—it is for every women, every girl, every person who does not have the agency to do so. With that, I encourage you to find your voice, find your area of influence, and squeeze the hell out of it to change the world.
By now, we all know who Simone Manuel is—the first black U.S. Olympian to win a gold medal in swimming. It was a pretty historic moment for the U.S. Many Americans celebrated her victory, with news channels highlighting the momentous win and social media exploding with celebration. You've probably seen this floating around on your feed, too. We love that Americans are already noting her victory as historically significant. That's why we're shining light on her this week. But this caused us to wonder—who was the first black U.S. Olympian swimmer? That would be Maritza Correia. She started swimming at age 7 to help with her scoliosis and later made history by joining the U.S. Olympic swim team in 2004. At the Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Martiza came home with silver for the 400-meter freestyle relay. Maritza also was the first black woman to break an American record in swimming (that was in 2002). At the World University Games in 2005, Maritza won four gold medals. (Source: biography.com) Right now, you might be reflecting on an alarming fact in the previous paragraph: the U.S. did not have a black female on the Olympic swim team until 2004. That's only 12 years ago. Seems a little behind the times, right? Swimming is a heavily white-dominated sport. A 2008 study by the University of Memphis' Department of Health and Sports Sciences showed that black people made up less than 2% of USA Swimming's members. That's less than 5,000 people out of 252,000. Here's a scarier statistic from that same study: 60% of African-American children cannot swim, which is twice as high as the figure for white children. One of the reasons for this huge disparity is rooted in our country's historic segregation. Up until the 60s, pools were segregated, and the majority was built in white neighborhoods. These are the parents of our black children today; many adults who cannot swim don't encourage their children to swim either. We know that these strong women making swimming history, Maritza Correia and Simone Manuel and so many more, will encourage young black children to jump in the pool, learn to swim, and maybe even find it as their passion. It’s been amazing to see women from the United States and so many other countries continue to burst into the history books.
We hope black American girls will not let their minority status in swimming discourage them from pursuing their passion. We hope that with role models like Maritza and Simone, the path to success is a little less daunting. We hope that swimming continues towards inclusivity and equality, but in the meantime, we will continue to celebrate every success. Source for findings from the University of Memphis' Department of Health and Sports Sciences study: nydailynews.com Everyone has been talking about how American Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad is making history. She is the first American Olympian to wear a hijab while competing in the games. And while we know there's been criticism about news stations mainly focusing on her attire instead of her talents, we think we can shine light on both, celebrating her hard work and her bravery in starting a new path for American, hijab-wearing athletes. Ibtihaj grew up in New Jersey, where she was opened up to the world of fencing at age 13. While growing up, she found it stressful to participate in other sports since she would fully cover her head, arms, and legs when typical team uniforms did not. Fencing freed her from this self-consciousness.
“I wanted a sport where I could be fully covered and I didn’t have to look different,” she told the Huffington Post. Ibtihaj also talks about being proud of her various identities. I think that’s what really draws us to her story. We are so aware of the enormous barriers she overcomes on a daily basis by identifying as a black Muslim woman. Our society does not turn in her favor. Although she did not continue through the round of 16, she and the fencing team will still return with a well-deserved bronze medal. But even beyond the medals, Ibtihaj’s entire Olympic journey has been a victory in which we can all revel. During the opening ceremonies, many people — us included — felt excited and proud to see so many countries allowing women and other less represented groups participating. The USA team is finally moving towards a team that more accurately represents our incredibly diverse population. We still have a ways to go, but Ibtihaj’s presence in the Olympics was palpable milestone for the United States. What is just as encouraging is the way many are talking about Ibtihaj and cheering her on. Of course, not everyone may be her #1 fan, but many of us rooted for her as our Olympian. Her journey is one of dreams and struggles with plenty of bumps and roadblocks along the way. I hope the Ibtihaj felt supported, loved, and honored by us. I hope that we, the community of women, can raise her up as one of our heroes. As one of those women we talk about and put in our history books. Her discipline and skill make her a great Olympian, but her courage and drive make her a role model for us and for those after us. That is what you can expect in our blog: stories that will uplift you, encourage you, push you along, make you feel hope. All types of women doing all types of amazing things. We all share in this community together, so let us propel each other forward. Or, at the very least, hold each other up in love. More reading! More amazing Olympic women Some stats about women in the Olympics Sexism in Olympic coverage and reporting |
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