I'm moved to write this evening as I have seen in the last six months, 3 women pass away who were great leaders in civil rights and the women's movement. With Rosa Parks passing in October, Coretta Scott King in January and then today Betty Friedan. Seeing as I didn't grow up at the time these women made much of their mark on the world, I have read their works and researched their lives. I've been moved by their courage, grateful for their actions and they have inspired me to make a difference. If you are reading this and aren't sure who these women are, then I would encourage you to take the time to get to know these women leaders.
Why I'm so moved to write this evening is because I feel a great sense of loss and uncertainty. As I've meddled through what I am feeling, the only thing I can compare this to is the feeling you get when the people you most look up to and who always lead the way are gone. People who challenge the status quo, ask the hard questions and then work through it all to get the answer are who these women were. They were a part of the grassroots movements that grew into major efforts and changed the world we live in. Now they are gone and have left us with a legacy. This is where the uncertainty comes in...who will pick up the torch?
Maybe my age is finally catching up with me, but I feel a call to action. This is the time when it is most important to carry on their vision. This is the time when all that they have worked so hard to create will be challenged and it is our responsibility to continue the fight for civil rights in America. At a time when so much is at risk, we must look outside of ourselves to find what civic role we will play. The legacy is now ours to create; the future is now ours to create.
