The History of U.S. Race Relations: A Guide to Understand the Present

2020. The year of COVID-19, chaos, and change. The year of fractured social progress. A year that will go down in history as the year of racial violence, the continuous struggle for equality. 

Recently, widespread protests emerged all around the United States. The pictures and videos of Minneapolis’s protests mirror scenes from the movie, the Purge. The city’s law and order burnt to ashes by the fire and flames brought by decades of racial outrage. But how did the U.S. get to this boiling point in tensions? Well, the answer is long and complicated, but very clearly stated when we look at the racial discrimination that plagues U.S. history. 

[Disclaimer: the experiences related to the struggle for African American rights is not my story to tell, but as an ally of the Black Lives Matter Movement, I am outraged by the recent surged of police violence, and I only hope that this simplified trace of history spreads unbiased awareness, understanding, and compassion of the current climate of the unsolved fight for racial equality.] 

From slavery to the Jim Crow laws to the Civil Rights Movement to the Los Angeles riots of 1992 to the riots of 2020, racial unrest taints the history of America. This unrest is rooted in America’s founding: The Constitution, the law of the land, that fervently protected the institution of slavery. America was built on the idea of freedom, yet freedom was excluded from many citizens.

To understand the realities of 2020, we must look back at the Civil Rights Movement. Near the beginning of the movement, Martin Luther King Jr’s philosophy of nonviolent protests led the movement, but towards the end of the movement, Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael’s philosophy of black nationalism and armed self-defense grew increasingly popular. Why did this shift in philosophy happen? Because of the built-up frustration. The activists’ nonviolence was met with brutality: police dogs and hoses. With a lack of progress, many people looked for a new approach to secure civil rights: a more radical way to achieve the original goal. 

This shift from MLK to Malcolm X reflects the same reality of 2020. The year 2020 exhibits the same racial realities of 1960. I’m not saying there hasn’t been any progress towards equality. I’m just saying there hasn’t been enough progress. From Ahmaud Arbery to Breonna Taylor to George Floyd, innocent black lives are taken every day by the brutal actions of police officers. With each additional death, the frustration, due to the lack of justice, builds up. The original nonviolent protests failed to bring permanent change, and people turn to other methods to achieve change. 

That is why Minneapolis is up in flames. Because more than fifty years after the Civil Rights Movement, basic civil rights still have not been achieved. The police dogs and hoses were replaced with tear gas and rubber bullets. It is this lack of progress that fuels frustration among millions of individuals. It is this lack of civil liberties that propel people to protest in the streets. 

• People are angry that more police officers protect the home of the man that murdered George Floyd than the number of police officers that protect the lives of innocent black civilians. 
• People are angry that they cannot trust their city’s police officers, nor can they trust their nation’s leader. 
• People are angry that justice is only served when there is nation-wide pressure to do so.

The centuries-long anger and frustration over systemic racism are why protests have turned into riots. 

For the people who want these riots to end, understand that these riots are caused by decades of systemic oppression, and the best way to end these fires is by supporting reform and joining the battle for racial justice. For those who are increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress, understand that the ashes of burnt buildings will not bring permanent change. 

We must remember how Martin Luther King infamously said, “Violence never brings permanent peace.” We must remember both sides of the story: not all police officers are murderers and not all protestors are looters. 

But we must also remember. When people remain unheard, riots occur. 

I am not justifying the destruction brought by the riots. The destruction of businesses and city streets does not achieve peace, but the riots are more complicated than the mere politicized news headlines and more complicated than the google images of damaged buildings. These protests and riots, fueled by decades of frustration, have a clear goal and purpose: lasting change. Without these permanent changes, frustration and resentment will lead to an endless cycle of flames and ashes. 

Do not dismiss these riots. Do not silence these voices.

But how can we affect change? 

• Understand the issue at hand and raise awareness about it.
• Donate to the Minnesota Freedom Fund to help bail the protestors out of jail
• Donate to other organizations such as Campaign Zero and Unicorn Riot
• Beware of the dangers of a one-sided story. Read articles from multiple news sources to learn the whole truth instead of part of the truth
• Campaign and vote for legislators who actively supports initiatives for criminal justice reforms
• Write to your state and federal legislators to demand harsher police policies and criminal justice reforms 
• Attend local protests
• Become an ally

But what does racial equality look like? Well. Racial Equality is… 

• A criminal system that does not arrest, charge, and imprison based on race.
• A society where racial oppression does not limit economic opportunities.
• A community where the color of one’s skin does not hinder one’s success.

Change starts with understanding the issue and raising awareness, but it is achieved when people unify and work towards the common goal of racial equality. 

As a nation, we can and must do better.

The post The History of U.S. Race Relations: A Guide to Understand the Present appeared first on GirlSpring.

In history, the contributions and achievements of people of color, especially women of color, have often been relegated to the shadows. Their stories of resilience, determination, and success deserve to be brought to the forefront. In this article, we shine a spotlight on three inspirational Latinas in politics who have left an indelible mark on the world. Their journeys from humble beginnings to positions of influence are not only remarkable but also a testament to the power of perseverance.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: A Trailblazer in the Making

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, affectionately known as AOC, is a name that resonates with millions of Americans. Born in the Bronx in 1989 to Puerto Rican parents, she grew up in one of New York’s poorest boroughs. Yet, her underprivileged zip code did not define her destiny. AOC’s story is one of determination and ambition, evident from an early age. 

During high school, AOC was a part of the National Hispanic Institute’s Lorenzo de Zavala (LDZ) Youth Legislative Session and even won second place at the 2007 Intel Science and Engineering Fair. Her pursuit of education led her to Boston University, where she double-majored in international relations and economics. But the financial struggles her family faced compelled her to take on waitressing and bartending jobs in her early twenties to support her family and pay off student loans.

Her Political Debut

AOC’s involvement in politics during the 2016 presidential election, volunteering for Bernie Sanders, marked her entry into the political arena. AOC’s meteoric rise to fame came on June 26, 2018, when she defeated a 10-term incumbent, Joe Crowley, during the 2018 midterm elections, making her the youngest-ever congresswoman at the age of 29.

Her legislative achievements are equally remarkable. AOC’s first action as a Democratic representative for New York’s 14th district was the Green New Deal resolution, a visionary plan for a 10-year national mobilization to tackle pressing issues, including climate change and economic inequality. She introduced 22 more pieces of legislation, including the Loan Shark Prevention Act, aimed at capping credit card interest rates at 15%. Even in the face of a Republican-controlled Senate and Presidency in 2019, AOC made her presence felt through her effective questioning in committee hearings and the passage of three amendments into law. AOC is arguably one of the most iconic and inspirational Latinas in American politics today. 

Sonia Sotomayor: Breaking Barriers on the Supreme Court

Sonia Sotomayor’s journey to the highest court in the land is a testament to her unwavering determination. Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Sotomayor faced adversity early in life when her father passed away. Yet, her dream of becoming an attorney fueled her dedication to academics.

In 1972, Sotomayor graduated as the valedictorian of Cardinal Spellman High School, setting the stage for her future achievements. She pursued her education at Princeton University, where she was involved in Acción Puertorriqueña, a Puerto Rican activist group. Her commitment to education culminated in a bachelor’s degree in history.

Her legal journey continued at Yale Law School. Here, she gained valuable experience as an assistant district attorney under the famous Manhattan attorney Robert Morgenthau. Sotomayor’s legal career saw her handling diverse cases, including the notable Tarzan murder case. She later joined the New York law firm of Pavia and Harcourt, focusing on business, corporate, and property rights matters.

In 1992, Sotomayor was appointed as a district court judge, primarily handling non-controversial cases. Six years later, she ascended to the position of Court of Appeals Judge. She presided over thousands of cases and authored numerous majority opinions. Her journey culminated in her historic appointment as the first Hispanic, Latina, and third woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. This was a momentous occasion that was celebrated by Hispanics across America and working-class individuals from the Bronx.

Aida Álvarez: Pioneering Leadership in the Presidential Cabinet

Aida Álvarez’s remarkable career is a testament to her commitment to affecting positive change. Álvarez was born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York. Her journey to the pinnacle of leadership began with her education and a determination to make a difference.

Her high school years saw her as a part of the ASPIRA program. This program was a non-profit focused on empowering the Latino community through youth development and advocacy. After graduating, Álvarez pursued higher education at Harvard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her career initially led her to journalism, where she worked for the New York Post. Later, she became a successful news anchor, earning accolades like the Emmy Award, Front Page Award, and Associate Press Award.

However, Álvarez’s path took a significant turn when she transitioned to investment banking. Her remarkable success in this field set the stage for her continued achievement. Next came her historic appointment in 1997 as the first Hispanic and Latina to serve in the United States Presidential cabinet. In this role, she oversaw the Small Business Administration. During her tenure, she presided over record levels of guaranteed loans and venture capital financing. She championed lending to women and minority-owned small businesses.

Today, Álvarez continues to be a trailblazer. She serves on the boards of major businesses and organizations, including HP Inc., Zoosk, Oportun Financial Corporation, the Latino Community Foundation, and the San Francisco Symphony.

A Lasting Legacy: Echoes of the Extraordinary Journey

The stories of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sonia Sotomayor, and Aida Álvarez are not just tales of individual achievement but also symbols of the resilience and determination of women of color. Their journeys serve as an inspiration for generations to come. Their contributions to society are a testament to the power of breaking barriers and forging a path to success, no matter the obstacles. These inspirational Latinas in politics deserve to be celebrated. Further, they should be remembered in the pages of history for their significant impact on the world.

The post Celebrating the Achievements of 3 Inspirational Latinas in U.S. Politics appeared first on GirlSpring.

The waiter gives me a knowing nod as she jots down my order. A few minutes later, a mesh of tomatoes, apples, and spinach is placed before me, glowing with ripeness and flavor. I snatch a fork and dive in. As I lift the various vegetables and fruits to my mouth, I begin to think about the journey that each ingredient took in order to create this delicious plate.

Before the fifteenth century, no one in the Americas could have enjoyed onions or olives in their salad (even if it was a real dish back then.)

No such plants grew in the local soil. Those ingredients grew on the other side of the world, in Eurasia. However, all of that shortly changed. Olives soon began to travel across the Atlantic Ocean to be planted in foreign ground. New ingredients lined the fields of the early Americas, and salads were made possible. Ultimately, I had the Columbian Exchange to thank for my delectable meal.

The Columbian Exchange was a result of worlds combining. After Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1492, the eastern side of the globe pined to get their hands on the mysterious land. A flurry of ships from the east began to steer their sails towards the “New World” in hopes to find wealth, fame, and religious freedom. But they didn’t just drop everything behind for the journey. The sailors took with them an array of goods from their home countries, including the necessary ingredients for a killer salad.

It didn’t stop there. Since humans finally had access to resources from around the globe, it seemed nothing was impossible to construct. Communities were formed. Cities were built. Metropolises followed. Technology improved exponentially, and the modern lifestyle that we know evolved. In fact, many of the comforts we enjoy today are a direct result of this exchange. When I think about a song that seems to lift burdens off my shoulders, my warm, enveloping bed that I never want to leave, my mother’s ring, set with diamonds that glitter like dewdrops in the sun, or the most satisfying greek salad, I am reminded that none of them would be possible without this critical historical event. Clearly, some truly beautiful things were made as a result of this union.

However, indescribably awful things were also created. Disease, exploitation, and, eventually, chattel slavery, were brought to the Americas by the Columbian Exchange.

Of course, slavery was not new to the world when it came to the “New World.” But isn’t it tragic that when mass amounts of people came together, one of the first things they created was a system of slavery? That’s what the Columbian Exchange was, after all—simply, a grand display of what occurs when humans come together. It’s just one example of many times humans have created “New Worlds” full of wonderful and terrible things.

Ancient Rome, for instance, was full of intricate, gorgeous structures like the Colosseum that the world had never before seen.

Every time I see a picture of the landmark, I am astounded by how thoughtfully it was created. But who was the Colosseum built by? And what was it used for? Its calculated stones were placed by hands in chains, and its purpose was to appease people’s thirst for violence. The world that the Romans created may look perfect on the outside, but their unity is stained with blood. By analyzing this and any point in history when people gathered together, I can conclude this about human nature: we are capable of overwhelming good and unthinkable evil.

In that case, is it a good thing or a bad thing when people come together? What is the verdict? Do humans create malice, or beauty? After all, much of the life we know wouldn’t exist without the Columbian Exchange. But neither, perhaps, would all the suffering that countless people endured. I suppose it’s a mix. A salad, if you will. But it doesn’t have to be.

Every time I bring a bite of fresh caesar salad to my lips, I am reminded that cautiously minding the ingredients we put into this world is the first step to creating the best meal for everyone. If we expel the foods that harm and replace them with the fruits of patience, kindness, and love, this world will look a little less like salad and a lot more like paradise.

The post Deeper than a Salad appeared first on GirlSpring.

 It pains me to share that people of color are forgotten in the pages of history. Unfortunately, women of color are most likely underrepresented, underappreciated, and overworked. Society needs to be better at honoring the work of all citizens, especially women from minority ethnic backgrounds. Below are three Latinas in politics who deserve to be in every textbook because of their significant impact on the world.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

She went from being an unknown bartender to being the youngest congressman in the US seemingly overnight. The “democratic socialist” was born in the Bronx, one of the poorest boroughs in New York, in 1989 to Puerto Rican parents. The Nuyorican did not let her underprivilege determine her density.

Instead, from an early age, she was passionate about controlling the outcome of her life. While she was in high school, she was a part of the National Hispanic Institutes’ Lorenzo de Zavala (LDZ) Youth Legislative Session. Moreover, she participated in the 2007 Intel Science and Engineering Fair and won second place. After high school, she attended Boston University and double majored in international relations and economics.

AOC in Politics

Due to her family’s economic situation, she took waitressing and bartending jobs in her early twenties to help support her family; her father’s cancer journey and subsequent death put the family in debt. Therefore, Cortez worked hard to help pay off her family debt while paying off her student loans. Her lower-class socioeconomic background and her young age are two factors that significantly helped her become a popular choice among lower and middle-class Americans, as well as Generation Z.

Her first involvement in politics was during the 2016 presidential election because she was a volunteer organizer for Bernie Sanders, an American senator from Vermont. She became a household name two years later, on June 26, 2018, when she defeated 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley during the 2018 midterm elections. Four months later, the newcomer became the youngest-ever congresswoman.

According to AOC’s website, her first action as Democratic representative for New York’s 14th district in the Bronx was the Green Deal resolution, “which envisions a 10-year national mobilization, akin to FDR’s New Deal, that would put millions to work in good-paying, union jobs repairing the nation’s infrastructure, reducing air and water pollution, and fighting the intertwined economic, social, racial and climate crises crippling the country.” While her first legislation is impressive, the young up-and-comer didn’t stop there.

Instead, she introduced 22 more pieces of legislation, including the Loan Shark Prevention Act, which would cap credit card interest rates at 15%. In 2019, Donald Trump, a Republican, was the President, but AOC did not let Republican control of the Senate and Presidency stop her from accomplishing her goals. On the contrary, she became a nightmare for the republican party as she became an effective questionnaire in committee hearings, a consistent town hall host, and saw three amendments pass into law.

Sonia Sotomayor 

She was the first Hispanic, the first Latina, and the third woman to serve on the High Court. Just like AOC, she was also born in the Bronx neighborhood of New York to Puerto Rican parents. Another similarity to AOC is that Sonia’s father passed away while she was young, so she had to work to support her family. She knew at age ten that she wanted to be an attorney, so she studied diligently.

Her academic efforts paid off as, in 1972, Sotomayor graduated as the valedictorian of Cardinal Spellman High School. After high school, she attended the prestigious Princeton University. At the Ivy League school, Miss Sotomayor was a part of Acción Puertorriqueña, a Puerto Rican activist group. After graduating from Princeton University with a bachelor’s in history, she attended Yale Law School. Her first job in politics was as an assistant district attorney to famous Manhattan attorney Robert Morgenthau.

SS in Politics 

During her time working under Mr. Morgentau, a particular case was the Tarzan murder case. Five years after working with Morgenthau, she joined a private practice known as the New York law firm of Pavia and Harcourt. Rather than handling matters related to shoplifting, robberies, assaults, murders, and police brutality, she mainly dealt with businesses, corporations, and property rights under the private firm.

Three years later, she was appointed to serve as a district court judge. During her time in district court, she remained veiled from media attention as she mainly dealt with non-controversial cases. Six years later, she was appointed Court of Appeals Judge. According to Oyez, Sotomayor heard “more than 3,000 cases and [wrote] around 380 majority opinions.”

Upon the retirement of Supreme Court Justice David Souter, the Barack administration quickly got Sotomayor his seat. On May 26, 2009, Hispanics across America and many working-class people from the Bronx rejoiced as their favored representative rose to the position.

Aida Álvarez

She is the first Hispanic and Latino American woman to serve in the United States Presidential cabinet. Similarly to the first two Latinas, Alvarez also hails from Puerto Rico and grew up in New York. In high school, she was a part of the ASPIRA program, a non-profit founded by Dr. Antonio Pantoja to “empower the Latino community through advocacy and the education and leadership development of its youth” (ASPIRA).

Upon graduating High School, Alvarez attended Harvard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts. Her first job was being a journalist for the New York Post. She later became a successful news anchor for Channel Five. She received an Emmy Award, Front Page Award, and an Associate Press Award. Aidachanged her career path from news reporter to investment banker and succeeded in it. After a decade, in 1997, Alarez made history by becoming the first Hispanic and Latina to serve on the cabinet.

AA in Politics

Her role as an executive officer was to handle small business administration. According to Stanford University, “She presided over record activity: $61.5 billion in guaranteed loans and venture capital financing over four years.” She created social change by “trip[ling] lending to women and doub[ling] lending to minority-owned small businesses” (California Competes). Currently, Alvarez serves on the board of many major businesses, such as HP Inc., Zoosk, and Oportun Financial Corporation. Moreover, she is on the board of the Latino Community Foundation and the San Francisco Symphony.

Click here to read about how women’s voting rights are so important in politics.

The post Influential Latinas in Politics appeared first on GirlSpring.

Before the Vote & Political Sheroes

Before the Vote is a ten-episode podcast video series on YouTube that covers the many ways teens can exert influence over government and politics even before they have the right to vote. On the series, I have been able to interview some pretty cool women that work in the Alabama legislative and judicial systems on how and why they got into their positions, as well as how teen voice can help them in their jobs. On other episodes, I’ve chatted with fellow teens on tangible ways we can share our voices outside of voting. 

If you’d like to check out the series (which I highly recommend you do), you can find it here. Also, if you watch a video, please consider taking the survey linked in the description box of each video. This lets me know what you think of the series! The survey is completely anonymous and takes a maximum of two minutes to fill out.

Now that I’ve given a brief overview of what Before the Vote is, I wanted to share with you some of the major highlights of the interviews and conversations that made up the series to hopefully empower you to use your voice to influence politics in today’s world.

1. We all have a part to play in our government

Oftentimes teens assume that because they don’t yet have the right to vote, they don’t have a part to play in government affairs. This is a far cry from the truth, because our country’s government is designed with the goal of representing all citizens, not just those over 18.

While there are certainly downfalls in that system today, there are still means for teens to get their voices out to ensure they are well-represented, and it’s our responsibility to utilize those resources. This is especially important for female teens, who are vastly underrepresented in today’s government.

2. Know those who represent you

The job of representatives and senators is to represent their constituents, and you are one of them! After talking with two state representatives and a state senator on the podcast, it was made clear to me that they value any and all input from the people they represent, especially young teens.

Teens have a unique perspective and an acute awareness of issues that older generations simply don’t know as much about, therefore, it’s our civic duty to ensure that we share those issues and perspectives with those that represent us. Find the contact information of your State Representative and Senator, as well as your Congressional Representative and Senators. And let them know what you’re thinking! This is definitely a means of sharing my voice that I hope to engage in more going forward.

3. Stay informed

In order to be aware of issues affecting us and our communities, we have to be tuned in to the news. I like to get my news from podcasts, but you can also educate yourself on current affairs by reading online news articles, print news sources, or even on social media, however, a major problem we face today as consumers of the media is the massive amount of misinformation and bias flying around.

It’s a good idea to fact-check information you consume and keep an eye out for potential biases in reporting. Sometimes it’s best to read about the same event from multiple sources to try and weed out the true facts of the case.

4. Use social media to your benefit

As I’m sure you already know, we have a powerful, powerful tool at our fingertips. In addition to using it to get quick updates on current events, social media can also be used to spread the word about a cause you have a passion for.

You can share educational posts that other users make, you can join an online community centered around a specific cause, or you can even create your own page dedicated to an issue you care about. Just make sure that the information you’re sharing is factual, and be sure that you’re understanding and respecting others’ differences in opinion.

5. Get plugged into local politics

Many people overlook the presence of local politics in our daily lives, but if you’re looking for a way to make a direct impact on your community, then getting involved in your local government is a great place to do so.

See if you can form a teen coalition at city council meetings, or get in touch with your mayor’s office to see if there are any opportunities for you to get involved. Even carrying out local community service projects can help further a cause you care about.

6. Explore youth in government programs

Youth in government programs are a fantastic way to get direct experience with the actual processes behind passing legislation, deciding a legal case, and creating policy. The YMCA has Youth in Government programs, including the Youth Judicial and Youth Legislature conferences, in just about every state in the US. There are also Girls State and Boys State programs across the nation.

Furthermore, most schools have a student council of some sort where students can take on a decision-making role within their school governments, which is crucial, because students are the ones mostly impacted by administrators’ decisions.

7. Learn how to have civil conversations

This is a tough skill to take on in today’s politically-polarized society; I struggle with it myself, but it’s crucial if we hope to have a future generation of problem solvers that are united by shared nationality and not divided by different parties.

When faced with a difference in opinion, we must choose to see the person behind the opinion and not just the party. We can’t villainize the other side and get defensive over our own opinion. Instead, we must try our best to listen to the reasoning behind the other person’s beliefs and use the disagreement as an opportunity to educate the other person on our beliefs. If all else fails, and no one is able to pull the other person to their side, then simply agree to disagree. Don’t let political arguments disrupt relationships—it’s just not worth it.

Reflect on everything

This was a lot of information, but don’t be overwhelmed! Those are just a few of the major themes that ran throughout the conversations I had while making the Before the Vote series.

I hope you’ll take a moment to check out an episode or two, but even more than that, realize how important your voice is toward the effectiveness of our government!

If you wish to stay updated on politics and the daily news in the area, click the link here and check out podcasts that cover politics!

The post Sharing Your Voice “Before the Vote” appeared first on GirlSpring.

Since the ratification of the Constitution in 1781, voting and elections have changed over time. Voting rights and representation in office have been scarce for women, people of color, and the LGBTQIAP+ community. For minority groups like these, it can be hard to have your voice heard.

The 15th Amendment has changed to include the rights of more than just straight white men. These men have never had to fight for representation in their own country, so it was important that minority groups got the representation they needed. As time went on, minority groups are more open to elections and voting than they had been before.

Representation in Congress

In 2020, at least five LGBTQ+ politicians were elected to office. Of these five, two were Black and three were women. Sarah McBride was the first transgender state senator of Delaware. This made her the highest-ranking state legislator in the country. Ritchie Torres was one of the first Black gay men in Congress, and also the first gay Afro-Latino in Congress. Now, he is one of the first Black gay men to be in the House of Representatives. It’s sad and shocking that these firsts have not come earlier in history.

On November 3rd, the number of Native American women in Congress reached a new record. The three women who broke this record are Deb Haaland, Sharice Davids, and Yvette Herrell. Haalan and Herrell are both part of the House of Representatives, and both of them represent New Mexico. They are the first state to have two Native American women as Congress delegates. Eighteen Native American women were running for spots in Congress in 2020, which is 2.6% of all women that ran that year. This was the highest percentage since 2004 and though this is still a small number, it is definitely progress.

African-American Voting

The 15th Amendment was passed in 1869 so that African-American men had the right to vote. Specifically, it says that the right to vote will not be affected by race or color. Some states still had measures to prevent them from voting, and it was only after years that these barriers were overcome. Hiram Rhodes Revels became the first African-American in Congress in late 1870. However, at the same time, Southern states revoked the 14th and 15th Amendments, which took away some rights of African-Americans. The government overcame this with the Voting Rights Act of 1965 so, African-Americans finally got voting rights.

Women in Congress

In January 2021, there was a very diverse set of Congress lawmakers. Two congresswomen were Native American, two were Muslim, and two were Black. Arizona and Tennessee had their first female senators, as well. There is finally more representation in Congress than there has been before. It is a good sign of representation for future elections. Also, if certain people are unsuccessful in running for office, others will be inspired to run. The world is looking towards a Congress with plenty of representation.

The Constitution was ratified in 1787. Voting and elections have come a long way since then. These changes are particularly important within Black, female, and LGBTQIAP+ communities. Many firsts were made recently, including the first gay Black men in Congress and the first female senators for several states. The 15th Amendment was ratified so that African-Americans could have voting rights. When it backfired, the Voting Rights Act showed a solution. The American government has had a lot more representation in voting and elections.

Click here to see why we push so hard to fight for equality! Your vote matters!

The post Elections in the United States appeared first on GirlSpring.

Amidst the chaos and the pain

A a land where hope seems in vain

There lies a people with unbroken will

Their spirit unyielding, undaunted still

In Palestine, where hearts are torn

And every day feels like a storm

The sun still rises, and the birds still sing

A symbol of hope, a promise of spring

For in the hearts of every man and child

There beats a spirit, fierce and wild

A love for freedom, a thirst for peace

That will never fade, that will never cease

Though walls may rise and borders may divide

And tears may fall like a rising tide

The spirit of Palestine will never fade

Hope remains, and will always stay

From Gaza’s beaches to Jerusalem’s streets

Where the sound of prayers and gunshots meet

The people of Palestine stand tall and proud

Their voices ringing out, clear and loud

They know that hope is a powerful force

That can guide them through any path, any course

And though their journey may be long and hard

Their spirits remain unbroken, forever unscarred

They draw strength from their history and their land

From the olive groves and the ancient sand

For they know that their roots run deep and strong

And they will endure, no matter how long

So let us hold on to this hope

And let it guide us as we cope

With every trial, every setback

We’ll rise again, we won’t forget

That in Palestine, a flame still burns

A light that shines, a lesson learned

That hope can conquer even the darkest night

And bring a dawn that’s pure and bright.

And though the road may be long and steep

And the journey may bring tears and weep

The people of Palestine will never give in

For hope is their ally, their eternal kin

So let us stand with them in their fight

And let us stand for what is right

For freedom, justice, and peace to reign

In a land where hope will forever remain.

To find out more on how you can become a part of the activism movement, click here.

The post Poem: Hope for Palestine appeared first on GirlSpring.

The morning of January 20th, 2021, saw history being made on Capitol Hill. Kamala Harris was inducted as the first woman, first African American, and first South Asian American to be inducted into office as the Vice President of the United States. 

Across the world, young girls and people of color watched Harris swear to protect the Constitution of the United States. New possibilities became apparent to girls across the country who had previously only learned about men in the position. Harris’s rise to this high office not only brought about a historic first, but also promised that she would not be the last. 

Kamala Harris is a trailblazer. By being the first, she has made it possible for others of her gender and color to have access to the highest offices in the land. 

Early Life

Harris was born in Oakland, California on October 20th, 1964. Her mother arrived in the US from India in 1958 before making advances in breast cancer research. Her father arrived in the US from British Jamaica in 1961 before receiving a Ph.D. in economics from Berkley. 

Harris bussed to Thousand Oaks Elementary School when she began kindergarten. This was due to a desegregation program beginning in the area. Later, she graduated from Westmount High School before attending Howard University. She graduated from university with a degree in political science and economics, before attending California Hastings College of Law. While she attended UC Hastings, she served as president of the Black Law Students Association. 

Career

In 2002, Harris ran for District Attorney of San Francisco. She won under a campaign opposing the death penalty. She was the first person of color to hold this position and ran unopposed in 2007. During her time in this position, she created an environmental crimes unit. 

In 2010, Harris ran to become the first woman, first African-American, and first South Asian American Attorney General for California. She won her election and was re-elected in 2014. 

She moved on to a position in the Senate in 2016 and was further appointed to the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2018.

Induction as Vice President

One of Harris’ goals in her new position is to remain an ally to women. When she was young, her friend was sexually assaulted by a family member. Harris told her own mother and helped have the girl removed from the situation. When speaking on this story, Harris said:

“A big part of the reason I wanted to be a prosecutor was to protect people like her and change the system. In fact, a big part of prosecuting child sexual assault cases was ensuring that children had a shot at being great.”

Harris’s strive to help women remains intact now that she is vice president. 

Harris aims to remember the women that shaped her throughout her life. Women like her neighbor that helped her make the trip to school, the third-grade teacher that encouraged her, and her mother that gave her a new life are who she strives to follow after.

While Harris hopes to follow the lead of the women in her life, she has become the leader to young girls throughout the world. Girls are taught to grow accustomed to listening before speaking. When they are interrupted by a man, they are encouraged to accept this with silence. The impact of these girls seeing a new kind of leader take the stage encourages them to stand up for themselves. Harris’s words ring clear throughout the ears of girls everywhere: “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking.”

Read more from GirlSpring about Vice President Kamala Harris.

Visit Vice President Kamala Harris’s Twitter page for news and updates.

The post Madam Vice President: The Impact of Kamala Harris appeared first on GirlSpring.

tuesday, may 24

21 lives lost in uvalde

friday, may 27

nra rallies for gun rights

“we need it for safety”

“self defense”

“second amendment protects my rights”

where’s that safety when children are killed

when they are defenseless

when they are snatched of their life, liberty and pursuit of happiness

“we care about children”

so we ban abortion

“pro choice is murder”

but school shootings are not?

bulletproof backpacks are sold

but guns will not be banned

“i’m sorry for your loss” tweeted

but the nra funds his political campaign

“i need to be protected”

“in case something happens”

but i’ll ignore the truth

that semi-automatic assault weapons aren’t used for protection

-m.n.

The post the truth appeared first on GirlSpring.

I went to Nashville for the weekend back in October with my friend and her mom as a part of her birthday trip. We decided to do our duties as tourists and explored the Parthenon on Saturday. As we walked through the halls filled with history around the Parthenon’s construction and Nashville as whole,

I was especially intrigued by the small dedication on the Woman’s Building. I decided to do some research so you too can know more!

HISTORY OF THE PARTHENON

The Woman’s Building was a part of Tennessee’s grand centennial celebration of statehood in 1897. The event was inspired by Chicago’s World Columbian Exposition and around 100 buildings were built to create a legendary experience. Although the Woman’s Building is no longer standing, it still had a great influence in its time. Sara Ward Conley, an artist recently back in her hometown from studying in Paris and Rome, was chosen as the designated architect of the building.

The barn design strayed from the majority of the Exposition’s buildings and the Woman’s Building was great with its two stories, eight massive columns, marble steps, and Grecian architecture. On top of the center was the observatory that included a restaurant.

Inspired by Andrew Jackson’s home, it became one of the first completed for the fair. Conley also assisted in picking art for the displays at the Exposition, and these projects became the last majors of her career before she fell ill. Conley was able to capture not only the elegance but also the importance of women through this grand building.

IMPORTANT FIGURES

Mrs. Thomas, wife of the president of the Exposition, also made a substantial impact on the Woman’s Building. Thomas collected around 4000 books all written by women to fill one of the libraries within. One of the libraries was even pink themed with a pink velvet carpet designated to hold portrait statues. The monumental creation became a house to displays of domestic arts, women’s inventions in the Patent Room, selling of women’s articles, and much more. 

FEMINIST CONTRIBUTIONS

The Progressive Era had made its way to the United States and Tennessee’s Exposition made sure to tribute all the women who helped this influence. The building hosted women such as Jane Addams for lectures to inspire millions coming to visit the Fair to help the feminist movement. Now, only a small photo remains in the archives of the Parthenon, but the impact of Nashville’s dedication to the growing feminists remains.

I hope you learned something and can see how important it is to give tributes to our history! It is definitely not perfect, but finding an event like this can make us realize how much we have grown. Let’s continue the legacy!

For more articles on feminist icons and women’s empowerment, click here.

The post A Tribute: The Woman’s Building appeared first on GirlSpring.