Inspirational Women Who Deserve to be Known
There are many great women throughout history we all know that deserve to be celebrated: Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Susan B. Anthony. However, I have noticed that in the history classes I have taken, that these inspirational women are greatly outnumbered the by men. So the next time you’re wanting a little girl power and inspirational stories to pull from, turn to these three women who have been overlooked in our history books.
Sybil Ludington
Most of us likely recognize the name Paul Revere and think “The British are coming! The British are coming!” We think he’s one of the bravest, most influential figures of the American revolution. However, he only rode a few miles before being captured, unable to complete his mission. Even more unfortunate, is that very few think about the 16 year old girl who completed a feat far more impressive. When Sybil Ludington received word of a British attack, she immediately mounted her horse and rode off into the night. She alerted farm after farm after farm, bringing hundreds of militiamen together to fight. She was never captured, she completed her mission, she continued to help America throughout the Revolutionary War. Seems like she should she be the one remembered, right?
Betty Friedan
Back in the mid-1900s there’s an image of women only cooking, cleaning, and being perfect housewives for their husbands. Unfortunately, that was very common in that time. However, there was a woman who spent her life fighting against that. Betty Friedan was a prominent reporter before she stepped out of her career to raise her three kids. When she wanted to get back into the workforce, very few people thought that it was possible. This troubled Betty so much that she began to research how many talented women stayed home instead of working. That is when, in 1963, she wrote The Feminine Mystique. She empowered women to take charge of their own lives and to pursue all the opportunities they could. This book quickly swept the nation as was a major factor in launching the 2nd wave feminist movement around the world.
Candy Lightner
Before drinking and driving was illegal, Candy Lightner lost her 13 year old daughter when a drunk driver hit their car. Candy Lightner took this tragedy in her life and used it to form MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) that became a national phenomenon. With millions of members in the first two years, MADD passed legislature that is still used today. What so amazing about this story is that Candy Lightner didn’t know the first thing about politics. She didn’t even vote. However, after she lost her daughter she was able to spearhead an amazing organization that changed the lives of millions of mothers, children, and drivers. Talk about the power of a mom with a mission!
"Betty Friedan Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.
"Candy Lightner Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.
"10 Overlooked Women Who Outdid Famous Men - Listverse." Listverse. N.p., 13 Oct. 2015. Web. 18 Sept. 2016.