For Women’s History Month, today’s guest post comes from author, poet, and podcast host Kym Gordon Moore. Her post highlights an important point – Whether famous or not, you can move us forward as women, whether on a global or local scale (or somewhere in-between the two). Kym has a special way with words, as her poetry and this post show. She is also a dear friend. I hope you find this written piece from her as valuable as I do.
Kym Gordon Moore guest posts: ‘Trailblazing pioneers, unsung heroes, everyday leaders’
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” – Written in a 1976 paper by University of New Hampshire history student, Laurel Thatcher-Ulrich
As I ruminated about the question “Who inspires you in history and why?” for Women’s History Month, I thought about the women who have been extraordinarily phenomenal and inspirational to me throughout the years. As corny as this may sound, there really isn’t one woman I can directly point to. My PowerPoint presentation would be endless with a long list of women, past and present, who continue to inspire me on my journey.
For example, my mother influenced my early spiritual guidance and creative development. Ninety-nine percent of my high school teachers, who were females, inspired my academic excellence. My sister let me know that it was okay to dare to be different. Harriet Tubman, a former slave and American abolitionist, inspired me with her bravery and fierce determination to fight for freedom. Lucille Ball, Moms Mabley, and Carol Burnett paved the way for female comedians and let us know it was okay to laugh when we wanted to cry.
Buffalo Calf Road Woman, a Northern Cheyenne woman and warrior in the Battle of Rosebud, fought to save her people and rode with the warriors despite some opposition because she was a female. Maya Angelou, an amazing storyteller, entertainer, and poet, was also a powerful voice during the Civil Rights Movement.
U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who was mocked for her unattractiveness, overcame challenges and found her voice as a champion for human rights on a national platform. Malala Yousafzai, who survived a point-blank shot to the head and was left for dead by the Taliban, continues to stand up as an advocate for educating girls.
So, while it is difficult to narrow my list to one woman who has influenced and inspired me up to this point, my tribe is too great. I stand on the shoulders of global maternal trailblazing pioneers, many who are unsung heroes and everyday leaders. These women fed and nurtured our minds, bodies, and spirits with unlimited possibilities of aspirations, courage, and hope.
Now, there has always been a patriarchal domination and focal presence throughout every sector of our society since the beginning of time. But men couldn’t do it all by themselves. We aren’t here to replace men. We are merely saying that we can make greater strides by being unified and not stifled of our voices, gifts, and talents to achieve great things.
Women continue to break glass ceilings by innovating, pushing the envelope to breach the lines of limitations, and boldly marching with dignity to entities where we were once forbidden to enter. Women refuse to be terrorized just because we are different. We learn to adapt to greatness, not complacency.
I thank those heroines, these remarkable women who have paved the way for us, saying it’s okay to take a seat at the table, whether we are invited or scoffed for sitting down, just because we are running with the torch of light to shine on others.
Thank you, Christy Birmingham-Reyes, with When Women Inspire, for inspiring us to think about women, famous or not, who have inspired us.
About today’s writer, poet Kym Gordon Moore
Kym Gordon Moore, author of We Are Poetry: Lessons I Didn’t Learn in a Textbook, uses her platform to shift and uplift the narrative of poetry. Her mission is to employ poetry in building bridges of dialogue by displaying greater compassion, awareness, inclusivity, and learning opportunities when creating unity within and outside the borders of literary art. Learn more about Kym Gordon Moore on her self-titled website.
Top image: Meet Kym Gordon Moore. Photo used with Kym’s permission.
Trail blazing women, thank you, your courage and spark inspires me when I need it most. <3
Yes!!
I really appreciated this piece especially for reflecting on he impact of the patriarchal system under which continue to push even in the face of push back on rights, justice, equality. Many gave so much and many others gave all to get us closer to the glass ceiling and empowered enough to bring our own chairs to the table. Well said Kym!!!!
Bringing a chair and sitting proudly in it is a MUST – If there’s not a space for us at the table, then let’s make room! Thanks for this aweaome comment for Kym.
Definitely a must!!!!
YESSSS!
This is a powerful and encouraging piece. I love everything about it, and especially “it’s okay to take a seat at the table, whether we are invited or scoffed for sitting down…” Thanks to all the remarkable women who paved the way, indeed! Thank you to you both Christy and Kym for honouring women, and sometimes unsung heroes.
Khaya! That quote from Kym that you took from her guest post is great. It is an excellent example of how Kym pays tribute to the past and celebrates the present. Thank you for being here. I am looking forward to reading your newsletter too!
This piece is such a powerful walk through history and a beautiful display of remarkable women. I’m reminded of just how wise, determined, bold, and courageous women have alwaya been, and still remain!
I join you in commending Kym for bringing the power here, KaLena! So happy you found this one 🥰
A fabulous read. Congratulations to Kym and Christy for sharing this. 💖
Thank you so much for your kind comment Sandra. We are so appreciative of your kind words my friend. Cheers! 🤗💐😘
Thanks Sandra for continuing to support me, Kym, and so many others 💗
Thank you, Christy, for sharing the post about women who have been trailblazers. History is too often told through the lens of a patriarchal society that ignores the contribution of women throughout history.
Linnea, what a sweet and endearing comment. Christy is such a supporter and encourager for women by women. History has spoken, now HERstory speaks. Have a beautiful day! 🌞🦋😊
LInnea, you made a great (and sad) point about women being left out of history – I remember that from school textbooks, looking back on it now… We assume we’re getting the total history but too often women’s accomplishments have been left out.
A pretty good list!
Got that right, Dorothy!
Oh wow Christy, thank you so, so much for publishing this. You are a gem my friend, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I appreciate you including my “2-Cents” with your tribute to women during Women’s History Month! What a committed project and great undertaking. Thank you for including me with all of the other amazing women who you featured, not only in commemoration of this month, but every month. I appreciate you Dimples! 😍💖😘🙏🏼🥰 Cheers my friend! 🥂
I am so grateful that you took the time to be here, Kym. Every day is a day to celebrate women, and that includes YOU! Thank you again for contributing this wonderful guest post. And for the great comment here! ❤️
Christy, you are a celebrated woman too. It was indeed my pleasure to donate my words to your very worthy cause. Cheers my friend. 🍸🥂🍹
Thank you, sweet you! Oh yes also: 🥂
You are so deservingly welcome my dear! 🌞🥂🥰💖😊
🌟 = you!
Now look at you Dimples! ✨🌞🌟 Smooches! 💋
🤗🤗🤗