10 Super Powerful Women To Talk About This Month

March is Women’s History Month, and this year I’m all about highlighting some well-known, and not so well-known women that can inspire women and girls today, and teach everyone a lesson. Here are 10 of the favorites I’ve looked up these month that you should definitely know about…

Eleanor Roosevelt is arguable the most powerful, influential First Ladies, ever. She set a new standard for what it meant to be the President’s wife. She took advantage of her platform and became a champion for the poor and disadvantaged of America during a time when the needed a hero. Here’s to Eleanor!

Katherine Graham took over the Washington Post after her husband died in 1963. It was a time when, while women had began to step out of the kitchen and into the workplace, they did not run media empires. But Graham did—and took the newspaper to the top. She proved that women can run the media!

Naomi Sims became the first dark-skinned model to appear on the Ladies’ Home Journal. In doing so she broke color barriers, and became on of the pioneer dark-skinned supermodels. She redefined what “beauty” meant, and gave a broader spectrum of women a reason to hold their heads high.

Women’s History Month was made for people like Anna May Wong! This beautiful Chinese-American actress was denied major role, despite her talent. During the hight of her career in the 1920s, Hollywood would film made-up Caucasian actresses in major roles for Asian females instead of hiring Wong. She was often cast in stereotypical roles, and pushed into the backdrop. True classic film buffs, however, will recognize this beautiful, talented actress!

Jeannette Rankin became the first women elected to Congress. This was a feat by itself. She represented the state of Montana from 1917-1919, during which time she voted “no” for the US entering WWI. She lost her reelection at the end of her term. However, she again returned to Congress from 1941-1943, where she was present to again vote “no” for the US entering WWII. Again, this vote cost her reelection.

One of the reason’s I love Marilyn Monroe is because she a normal sized, average, healthy weight woman. In fact, she was size 12 (US measurements). No one ever talked about her weight, because she looked good and was confident. Now that’s something every little girl should be taught!

Today’s powerful woman, is a bit controversial. But then, isn’t history an argument? Dorothy Day was a devote Catholic, journalist, and social advocate. She was one of the founders of the Catholic Workers Movement, which gave shelter and jobs to those in need during the Great Depression (remember, that’s between World Wars), while teaching Catholic values and non-violence. During her lifetime she worked with better known humanitarians like Cesar Chavez and Mother Teresa.

If you’re cool, you like Janis Joplin: it’s just that simple. She is still often imitated, but cannot be duplicated. She became one of the most important, expressive voices of an age in American history when a generation began to push back against social norms. Known as the Queen of Rock, her lyrics are soulful, and can tell any one a lot about the world, if only you’ll listen.

Michelle Obama is some woman. She is a lawyer, wife, mother, and First Lady. She has been incredibly active, prompting the spirit of volunteerism, and campaigning against childhood obesity. She is an example that a well-rounded woman can, and does exist. What an inspiration!

Elizabeth Keckley was born a slave, however she was an incredibly strong, creative woman. She overcame being beaten, raped, and overshadowed to not only buy her freedom, but to also buy the freedom of her son. Later on, this amazing seamstress not only dressed Mrs. Varnia Davis (Confederate President’s wife), but later snubbed her to dress Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln (Union President’s wife). She did more than the average woman of color at this time, proving that the power of womanhood is not to be underrated!

To see more highlighted women throughout the month, or for more fun, informative, and interesting historical facts throughout the year, make sure you follow my Tumblr!

Comments

Jackie says:

March 12, 2012 at 2:28 pm

Wow! What a list!! I do feel like I learned a little something here!

Yoli N. says:

March 12, 2012 at 2:47 pm

LOL, sorry, history teachers tend to go all deep on stuff like this!

Ado @ The Momalog says:

March 12, 2012 at 7:04 pm

Is Naomi Sims the beauty in the photo? Holy top model man, she's GORGEOUS!
And I love me some Janis!!! What a great list!

SouthMainMuse says:

March 12, 2012 at 7:20 pm

A great list amd I learned a few things. Great women to be inspired by

Stasha says:

March 12, 2012 at 8:58 pm

I really enjoyed reading this. You chose some interesting women who have both set an incredible mark on human race and clearly impacted who women are today. Wonderful. Very inspiring. Thank you.

By Word of Mouth Musings says:

March 12, 2012 at 9:50 pm

I just printed your list – as a homeschooling Mom, how could I pass up a learning experience such as this when I am raising two girls.
Thank you – awesome xxxx

Anna @mommy_padawan says:

March 13, 2012 at 10:22 pm

Wow, this is an incredible list! Amazing women, awesome choices.

Paul Craig says:

March 14, 2012 at 8:34 am

Amazing choices. Interesting and informative list.

AudreyN says:

March 14, 2012 at 8:30 pm

I loved reading your list! And there are so many great women on there

Yoli N. says:

March 15, 2012 at 7:28 am

Aw, that made me feel good! Thank you!

Yoli N. says:

March 15, 2012 at 7:38 am

Thank you!