In honor of Women's History Month, I have decided to dedicate this post to several women I have found to be incredibly inspirational in my life thus far.
1. Jacqueline Woodson
Not only is she an incredible award-winning author (she has won the Coretta Scott King Award and the Newbury Honor), but she happens to be a close friend of my family. I had the absolute privilege of having her in my life as a child since she was my mother's college roommate. Her wide range in children's books and novels include topics of sexual identity, race, and gender. Being exposed to these books at a young age helped shape my view of the world and allowed me to widen my own perspectives and be more accepting. She has also been a supporter of my own writing ventures which has meant the world to me. I recommend you check out all her books, but especially "Brown Girl Dreaming."
2. Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur is so relatable because she's in our age group. You may have heard of her when her period photoset was deleted off of Instagram for being "inappropriate." Even though the post included nothing graphic, merely a blood stain on the sweatpants a woman is wearing. I know I've been there alongside many other women. Her book "Milk and Honey" talks about feminism, intersectionality, love, loss, and self-growth. The biggest reason I'm a Rupi Kaur fan is because of her advocacy for self-love and acceptance.
3. Fatema Mernissi
Born and raised in Morocco, the late Fatema Mernissi was an Islamic feminist. She has written about women's roles in Islam and focused on doing field work in which she encouraged women in Morocco to work. Her works include "Beyond the Veil" and "Islam and Democracy." She has been regarded as the founder of the Islamic feminist movement.
Despite the generational differences, these three women all share the fact that they are influential writers, women, and persons of color. I regard them as some of the most intelligent women I have witnessed in my life so far. I highly recommend all of their works. It is important that when we are reading and listening to women, we make room for women of color.
