It's the year 2016, but at certain times, it definitely doesn't feel like it. It especially doesn't feel like it when women are struck by tragedies and America continues to let our offenders go with the equivalent of a slap on the wrist. For example, the recent "conviction" of 22-year-old Austin James Wilkerson, whom, after admitting that he sexually assaulted a drunk classmate, still receives no prison time. Instead, Wilkerson received 20 years probation and two years of jail work-release, because Judge Patrick Butler believes that "we all need to find out whether he truly can or cannot be rehabilitated." This is not the first time a convicted rapist has managed to avoid a real prision sentence, and unfortunately, it doesn't seem like it will be the last either.
With all that women have had to struggle through and continue to struggle with, it can be difficult to feel as if we have any influence in this world. It can be disheartening to continue to try to use the strong and powerful voices we've been blessed with, when there seems to be no reward for speaking up against injustice. Because what is the point of speaking when it feels like you're not being heard? It can be very easy to want to quit and give up. But it's times like this that we cannot afford to allow ourselves to be discouraged or to back down, and we have to use all of our efforts to push through.
But in case you're like me, and you need a little boost to lift your spirits up, here's a list of 20 empowering songs to inspire you to always continue fighting.
1. BO$$ by Fifth Harmony
"You say that you a baller
And I see you trying holla
But that ain't how I was brought up-next
Working for the money
'Cause that what my momma taught me
So yo' ass better show me some re-spect."
2. Superwoman by Alicia Keys
"Cause I am a Superwoman
Yes I am
Yes she is
Even when I'm a mess
I still put on a vest
With an S on my chest
Oh yes
I'm a Superwoman."
3. Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé
"Boy I know you love it
How we're smart enough to make these millions
Strong enough to bear the children
Then get back to business."
4. Feeling Myself by Nicki Minaj ft. Beyoncé
"I stopped the world
Male or female, it make no difference
I stop the world, world stop...
Carry on."
5. Salute by Little Mix
" Sisters we are everywhere
Warriors, your country needs you
If you're ready ladies, better keep steady
Ready, aim, shoot."
6. Do It Like A Dude by Jessie J
"I can do it like a brother
Do it like a dude
Grab my crotch, wear my hat low like you."
7. Miss Independent by Ne-Yo
"Cause she walk like a boss
Talk like a boss
Manicure nails just sent the pedicure off
She's fly effortlessly."
8. Q.U.E.E.N. by Janelle Monae ft. Erykah Badu
"Am I a freak for dancing around?(queen)
Am I a freak for getting down?(queen)
I'm cutting up, don't cut me down
And yeah I wanna be wanna be (queen)
Even if it makes others uncomfortable
I wanna love who I am."
9. Survivor by Destiny's Child
"I'm a survivor (what?)
I'm not gon' give up (what?)
I'm not gon' stop (what?)
I'm gon' work harder (what?)
I'm a survivor (what?)
I'm gonna make it (what?)
I will survive (what?)
Keep on survivin'(what?)."
10. Flawless/ Flawless remix by Beyoncé
"I woke up like this
We flawless, ladies tell 'em
Say I look so good tonight."
11. Diva by Beyoncé
"Since 15 in my stilettos, been strutting in this game,
"What's yo age? " That's the question they ask when I hit the stage
I'm a diva, best believe her, you see how she getting paid?
She ain't calling him to grade-up, don't need him, her best maid."
12. A Woman's Worth by Alicia Keys
"You could buy me diamonds
You could buy me pearls
Take me on a cruise around the world
Baby you know I'm worth it."
13. Independent Women, Pt. I by Destiny's Child
"The shoes on my feet
I've bought it
The clothes I'm wearing
I've bought it
The rock I'm rockin'
'Cause I depend on me."
14. Sheezus by Lily Allen
"Been here before, so I’m prepared
Not gonna lie though, I’m kinda scared
Lace up my gloves, I’m going in
Don’t let my kids watch me when I get in the ring."
15. Sit Still, Look Pretty by Daya
"Oh, I don't know what you've been told
But this gal right here's gonna rule the world
Yeah, that is where I'm gonna be because I wanna be
No, I don't wanna sit still, look pretty."
16. Upgrade U by Beyoncé
"I can do for you what Martin did for the people
Ran by the men but the women keep the tempo
It's very seldom that you're blessed to find your equal
Still play my part and let you take the lead role."
17. Pretty Girl Rock by Keri Hilson
"My walk, my talk, the way I drip
It's not my fault so please don't trip
Don't hate me 'cause I'm beautiful."
18. Video by India Arie
"Sometimes I shave my legs and sometimes I don’t
Sometimes I comb my hair and sometimes I won’t
Depend of how the wind blows I might even paint my toes
It really just depends on whatever feels good in my soul."
19. Confident by Demi Lovato
"It's time for me to take it
I'm the boss right now
Not gonna fake it
Not when you go down
Cause this is my game
And you better come to play."
20. Fighter by Christina Aguilera
"Makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter."
To my fellow warriors: our fight is long, and our fight is hard. But it is worth it.
