Right before the start of women's history month, I'd come up with the idea of honoring the women that had been meaningful to me in life with daily citations in DBUZZ. As with many of the things I write, it was done for me. A way of honoring those who, at one time or another, had shaped my creativity, mindset and/or values. They range from family members to historical figures. Artists, philosophers, politicians and more. I've lived a diverse life, and these women reflect the ever-changing winds in my personal Renaissance.
Some, like my aunt Anna, had profound impacts. It seemed like everyone she came in contact with left a better person. Even the kids that stole her purse as she was getting the subway one night in Brooklyn.
"Before you run off with my purse," she'd told them, "you should have the decency to leave me fare money to get home!"
They did. Not because she was a sister in the Daughters of Wisdom. Because in that moment of crime, she got them to show a moment of compassion.
Others, like Leah Chase, were timely connections that redirected my life. Or Annie Leibowitz, who's artistic interpretations pulled my analytical brain over to expressionism that still influences my photography.
Most of the acknowledgements garnered little audience on social media, mostly thirty to a hundred views. One, the post about Jacinda Ardern, is approaching ten thousand. I'm not surprised, but very glad that other people appreciate her as much as I do.
I still have a few days to finish, but here's the entire list, including links if you are compelled to know more about these amazing individuals. My amazing individuals. Most of the links are to Wikipedia as a good place to start.
My Aunt Anna.
https://www.daughtersofwisdom.org/news-remembrances/annabittnerdw
Hedy Lamarr: Actress, Inventor.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedy_Lamarr
Michelle Tsosie Sisneros: Artist, Designer, Activist.
https://www.instagram.com/michelletsosiesisneros/?hl=en
Sr. Carol: My 10th grade English teacher.
Annie Leibovitz: Photographer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Leibovitz
My sister Margaret
Leah Chase: Chef, community leader, civil rights activist.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leah_Chase
Linda Ronstadt: Musician, Influencer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Ronstadt
Eleanor Roosevelt: Political figure, diplomat, rights activist.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_Roosevelt
Dr. Claire Leon
https://www.engineergirl.org/142633/Claire-Leon
My mom.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Lawyer, U. S. Supreme Court justice.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Bader_Ginsburg
Shirley Manson: Musician, rights activist.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shirley_Manson
https://www.garbage.com
Dolly Parton: Musician, philanthropist.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolly_Parton
Robin Roberts: Newscaster, producer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Roberts_(newscaster)
Esther Perel: Psychotherapist.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esther_Perel
Laura Ingalls Wilder: Writer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Ingalls_Wilder
My Aunt Betty.
Janet Yellen: Economist, Treasury Secretary, former head of the Federal Reserve & Council of Economic Advisors.
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/janet-yellen
https://www.marketplace.org/2021/01/21/yellen-hamilton-musical-biden-dessa/
Mary Shelley: Writer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Shelley
Deborah Harry: Musician.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debbie_Harry
Jacinda Ardern: Former Prime Minister of New Zealand.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacinda_Ardern
https://www.instagram.com/jacindaardern/?hl=en
Katharine Graham: Newspaper publisher, writer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katharine_Graham
Michelle Obama: Former U. S. First Lady.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Obama
https://www.instagram.com/michelleobama/?hl=en
Lady Bird Johnson: Former First Lady.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Bird_Johnson
Patti Smith & Dessa: Musicians & Influencers from different generations of new music.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patti_Smith
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dessa
https://www.dessawander.com
Hypatia: Philosopher, mathematician & astronomer.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypatia
Dr. Rachelle Katz: Former Dean & Director, LMU MBA program.
https://cba.lmu.edu/faculty/?expert=rachelle.katzphd
Marjory Stoneman Douglas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjory_Stoneman_Douglas
Yrsa Daley-Ward: Poet.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yrsa_Daley-Ward
https://www.instagram.com/yrsadaleyward/?hl=en
Georgia O'Keeffe: Artist.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_O'Keeffe