Celebrating Women's Day!

In honor of International Women's Day, I wanted to pay homage to Nina Simone, Audre Lorde, Coretta Scott King, and Shirley Chisholm. Four extraordinary women whose resilience, courage, and leadership resonate strongly with my aspirations and what I stand for. Their legacy strongly lives on, igniting inspiration that I wish to carry out with everyone I encounter.

Nina Simone: Born Eunice Kathleen Waymon in Tryon, North Carolina, Nina Simone was a groundbreaking jazz musician and civil rights activist. She attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York City and rose to prominence with her soulful voice and powerful lyrics. Simone's music transcended genres and became anthems for the civil rights movement. Through her activism and artistry, she challenged societal norms and fought for equality and justice.

Audre Lorde, a self-described "Black lesbian mother warrior poet," was born in New York City and attended Hunter College and Columbia University. Her powerful writings, including "The Master's Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master's House" and "Zami: A New Spelling of My Name," explored themes of race, gender, and sexuality, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Lorde's advocacy for intersectional feminism paved the way for future generations of women of color in the literary world.

Coretta Scott King: Coretta Scott King, born in Marion, Alabama, was a tireless advocate for peace and justice. She spoke at historic peace rallies and served as a Women’s Strike for Peace delegate to the 17-nation Disarmament Conference in Geneva, Switzerland in 1962. King was the first woman to deliver the class day address at Harvard in 1968 and the first woman to preach in a statutory service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London in 1969. She tirelessly carried the message of nonviolence and the dream of the Beloved Community to every corner of the globe. King's unwavering commitment to social justice inspired countless individuals and movements worldwide.

Shirley Chisholm: Shirley Chisholm, a native of Brooklyn, New York, became the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968. She attended Brooklyn College and later earned her Master's degree in elementary education from Columbia University. Chisholm was a trailblazer in advocating for racial and gender equality, serving seven terms in Congress and becoming a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Her historic bid for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination in 1972 shattered barriers and inspired generations. Chisholm was also a proud member of The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

These remarkable Black Women embody the power of determination, integrity, leadership, and compassion. As we celebrate their legacies, continue to uplift, encourage, and support Black Women. Bell-Watkins Alston LLC | The LaunchPad stands in solidarity with women entrepreneurs, offering support and resources to help them thrive in their businesses

International Women's Day 2024