By Cheryl Mattox Berry
Although it’s not Women’s History Month, which is celebrated in March, I think there are some women who deserve recognition for their courage, tenacity and foresight.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Throughout all the investigations into her use of a private server for classified emails, Clinton stayed focus on her bid to become the first female president of the United States. She has maintained her poise and dignity in the face of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s rants.
Given her background as a former first lady, U.S. senator and secretary of state, she’s much more qualified to run this country than any Republican opponent. She is a politician and knows the ins and outs of Washington, and how to bring all parties to the bargaining table. That’s who I want in the Oval Office.
Qandeel Baloch
Pakistani social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch (real name Fauzia Azzem) wasn’t a household name in the United States, but she was a popular and controversial figure in her country.
Baloch’s posts and pictures of herself engaging in activities (a sexy dance and playing with a Muslim cleric) considered scandalous in conservative Pakistani society apparently led to her death. Her brother is accused of strangling her as she slept in a so-called honor killing last week.
A self-described feminist, Baloch urged women to stand up for themselves, each other, justice and demand equal rights.
Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors
Activist Alicia Garza of Oakland and her friend, Patrisse Cullors of Los Angeles, started the Black Lives Matter movement on July 13, 2013, after George Zimmerman was acquitted of fatally shooting unarmed teen Trayvon Martin in Florida.
The Black Lives Matter organization has grown to 40 chapters and is part of a nationwide network of groups that organize protests against police slayings of unarmed black citizens, police brutality and other issues.
Weeping Ivy Eight
In 2009, eight women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., sued the sorority, then-International President Barbara McKinzie and its leaders for financial malfeasance. They accused McKinzie of stealing more than $2 million and diverting funds for personal use.
The women: Joy Elaine Daley, Newburgh, N.Y.; Kezirah Means Vaughters, Wyncote, Penn.; Carol P. Ray, Philadelphia; Elizabeth Berry Holmes, Wyncote, Penn.; Catherine Alicia Georges, Bronx, N.Y.; Marie L. Cameron, Atlanta; Brenda Georges, Fairburn, Ga.; and Frances Tyus, Warrensville Heights, Ohio.
In retaliation, McKinzie suspended the women, and they endured a backlash from some members who were angry that they had exposed the sorority’s dirty laundry. The plaintiffs were eventually re-instated, and the ultimate vindication came last week at the AKA international convention where McKinzie was expelled from the sorority for stealing $1.3 million.
Full Disclosure: I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the nation’s oldest black sorority.