No matter who you are, you came from a woman’s womb. So let’s celebrate.
March is Women’s History Month, an occasion more than worthy of celebration. After careful conversation and consideration, we’ve compiled the following series of concepts that will hopefully inspire you to creatively commemorate the occasion.
1. Read Black female authors
From political figures to poets, Black female voices deserve to be heard and learned from.
Two books specifically come to mind when recommending this: “Becoming” by Michelle Obama and “Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now” by Maya Angelou.
I’d suggest the audiobook for Obama’s book. Hearing her voice for hours on end makes you feel closer to her. Obama does a phenomenal job of articulating her thoughts on complex topics with solicitude and simplicity in her biographical novel. Her perspective and understanding of the world, being both a lawyer and former First Lady, is unparalleled.
The late Dr. Maya Angelou’s book is a quick and thought-provoking read, coming in at just under 150 pages. Inside the book is a collection of small poems and advice she’s cultivated for navigating our world. This is the book I’d recommend purchasing paperback, as I find myself flipping back through and highlighting different parts every time I read.
My mother gave me Angelou’s book the Christmas before I left for college. The older I get, the more things stand out to me. It’s timeless and a must-read from my point of view.
2. Get to know the March sisters
The 1868 novel “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott tells an iconic story that has consistently been transformed by Hollywood throughout the years. The story of the four March sisters has proven to be a timeless narrative, and you would remiss the opportunity to watch.
Though there are a variety of “Little Women” inspired television series and movies you can get your hands on, my personal favorite is Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation. The film’s star-studded cast includes Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet and even Laura Dern, making the film incredibly entertaining and understandable for today’s audience.
3. Call your female elders and ask for advice
I am a firm believer in asking for advice. When I called my grandmother on my mother’s side, Charlene Pagett, and asked her for vague life advice she answered cheerfully on the phone.
After 82 trips around the sun, she said, “As women, we have a great influence in the world. Partly because God made us to care for people, and partly because we love them so well.”
My grandmother had my mother, and my mother had me, and I’ve gotten the chance to learn a lifetime of lessons from both of them. They are always willing to teach, and I bet the female elders in your life would be just as happy to share advice with you as well.
4. Play Scrabble with your mom
Scrabble is one of the most slept-on board games of all time. It consists of picking seven letters out of a bag and trying to make an array of sophisticated words with them. Not only is it an educational tool to help you learn more about the English language, but it also provides you with a comfortable space to have conversations you normally don’t on a daily basis.
Since I’ve been living at home during my senior year of college because of the pandemic, playing a leisurely game of Scrabble with my mom has helped me to get off screens and get into good conversations. If you don’t have the luxury of living with your parents in college, then download Scrabble in your app-store and play with family from miles away.
5. Listen to Taylor Swift’s newly recorded music
Whether you love or dislike her, you’ve most likely danced to Taylor Swift at least once. Not only is she one of the most awarded artists of all time, but she is also a leading advocate for artist representation. Currently, she is fighting her former record label for the rights to music that she wrote, hence the fact that she is now re-releasing her music to reclaim what’s hers.
During this lovely pandemic, Swift has given the public two albums consisting of 31 songs, as well as a re-released version of the childhood defining hit “Love Story.” Stream it on your local listening platform for a nostalgic time while simultaneously considering the fact that even Taylor Swift — one of the most powerful figures in pop music — has to fight for the ownership of her art. May her battle be a burst of inspiration to women across the globe.
6. Make it a goal to gas-up your Instagram feed
Social media is a double edged sword, it can be a platform for sharing life’s moments or a hatred-infested hub for belittling people. Choose to speak life.
If you find yourself scrolling through your feed today, comment on some posts with intentional kindness. Gas-up your friends with well wishes. Taking the time to give a compliment will go far, especially for all the selfie-loving ladies out there — but let’s be honest — every gender wants to feel the love and validation.
7. Support your local female-run businesses
I’ve noticed that more and more of my friends have started their own businesses as of late. From selling art pieces to snapping photography, this bold group of ladies chose the entrepreneurial road less traveled, and supporting them as they pursue their passion is always a good investment.
I’ll share with you some of my favorite small businesses. Sarah Skolos makes hand-crafted poetry, Kavi Collins makes customizable rings and jewelry and Kylie Govinchuck will help you express yourself through photography. Checking them out will remind you just how many amazing female-owned businesses may be hiding right under your nose.
8. Watch Madam Secretary
During quarantine, I started watching the political drama starring Tea Leonne, Madam Secretary. Created by Barbara Hall and executively produced by Morgan Freeman, this series has transformed the way I view Washington D.C. and has revealed to me the importance of female representation in politics. I’ve written an entire article on why you should watch an episode, so if you need more information, just check that out here.
9. Watercolor with your mother
Watercolor painting is a throwback to childhood for many of us. There’s nothing quite like opening a fresh package of Crayola watercolor, grabbing a 8.5×11 inch piece of paper and letting your creativity run wild.
Doing that with your mom while music plays in the background is a sure way to appreciate your life, and your mother for bringing you into this world in the first place.
10. Send her a letter
Sure, it’s old-fashioned, but it’s also incredibly appreciated. Whatever female is special to you in your life — whether it’s your grandmother, mother, daughter, friend, girlfriend or daughter — everybody loves a physical piece of mail. It doesn’t have to be long, but it does have to come from the heart. If you love and appreciate them, it shouldn’t be too tricky.
Going the extra mile this March means purchasing a 55 cent stamp. Though it’s a seemingly small gesture, it proves that you care for the women in your life.
Whether you decide to snuggle up with a book, purchase a paint set or just have a conversation, I hope you have a lovely Women’s History Month. Celebrating the art of living starts with celebrating those who brought you into this world and made you the person you are today, so make sure to hug them extra tight this March.