Women’s stories have always been a critical piece of generational storytelling that gets passed down through the years. If you think about your family, there are likely stories you’ve heard about your great-grandma, great-aunt, or maybe even a great-great-great-grandma; stories of resilience, love, hardship, and triumph. 

 

We bet those stories are so inspiring…
what women achieved in their time is nothing short of incredible! 

 

Their stories have contributed to an intricate collection of narratives rich with knowledge, wisdom, perspective, and strength, all of which represent a breadth of human experiences that deserve to be celebrated and preserved! 

In these narratives, women have challenged social norms, broken barriers, and paved the way for future generations. Women of color in particular, whose contributions have often been overlooked or erased, have some of the most powerful stories of strength, resilience, and persistence, which deserve to be uplifted and recognized. 

This month, join us in celebrating Women’s History first by amplifying the incredible stories of a few remarkable women in history that you may not know, whose narratives transcend time and space, and then by taking steps to learn more about the women in your life! 

Charlotte Forten Grimké – A Voice for Freedom and Justice

Charlotte Forten Grimké was an abolitionist, educator, and free Black woman in the 1800s who kept incredibly detailed personal diaries documenting her life experiences. As the only Black child in her school in Salem, MA, and later one of the first educators to teach formerly enslaved individuals, she became a powerful advocate for racial justice and equality. Her journals provide an intimate perspective on life as a Black woman in antebellum America, sharing stories of resilience, racial discrimination, and triumph. Her diary remains a testament to the power and importance of preserving life stories!

Read more about Charlotte Forten Grimke here! 

 

Juanita Harrison – Defying Limits and Exploring the World

Juanita Harrison, world-traveler and storykeeper did what few Black women in the 1930’s had the opportunity to do: she took control of her space, her dreams, and her boundaries by embarking on an 8-year, solo world travel journey, leaping into a travel lifestyle that had no precedent for a woman that looked like her. She documented her adventures in private journals which have since become the book, My Great, Wide, Beautiful World, demonstrating the power of fearless curiosity despite the powers and forces that tried to keep her in a box. Her story challenges traditional narratives about who gets to explore the world and reinforces the importance of representation in travel literature.

Consider reading My Great, Wide, Beautiful World here! 

 

Dorothea Lange – Capturing Resilience Through Photography

Dorothea Lange used her camera to tell the stories of some of history’s most marginalized communities. During the Great Depression, she used photojournalism to document the immense suffering of migrant farm workers, bringing national awareness to their hardships and leading to tens of thousands of pounds of food being sent to support them. Her most famous photograph, Migrant Mother, became an enduring symbol of hardship and resilience, showcasing the power of photography as a tool for social change and activism.

Explore more of Dorothea Lange’s work here! 

 

 

Want to Know More About the Women in Your Life?

Those three stories are incredibly inspiring aren’t they? 

Now it’s your turn to help the women in your life share more about their life stories! Having these kinds of meaningful conversations can lead to powerful conversations, insights, and inspiration, and, (bonus), when you ask people about their life and their experiences, you tell them, “Hey. I really care about your perspectives. I really care about you”. 

We’ve created free downloadable conversation starter cards filled with thoughtful questions for the women in your life. Enter your email address at the bottom of this page for the free download. If you are already a community subscriber check our monthly newsletter. They’re designed for you to hear their stories, perspectives, thoughts, and ideas. 

P.S. anyone can ask these questions! 

 

Final Thoughts: Honoring Women’s Stories, Past and Present

Women’s History Month is more than just a time of remembrance… it’s an invitation to listen, learn, and connect. By recognizing the power of women’s stories, we not only honor the past but also empower the future! 

Let’s all make a vow to continue to share, document, and celebrate the voices of women everywhere!

Who is a woman in your life whose story has impacted you?

Get to know her better today. 

 

Happy Women’s History Month!