Recognizing the Full Humanity of Women

By Carla Yvette

This image inspired me.  The image of two women of two different races standing together for a common cause with their fist held high in empowered confidence and a unified strength captivated me and I wanted to share.

Pictured are Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes. Born in Toledo Ohio, Gloria Steinem is known as one of the most prominent activists of second-wave feminism and a representative for the feminist movement in the late 1960s and 1970s and is the founder of Ms. Magazine.

Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes

“A feminist is anyone who recognizes the equality and full humanity of women and men.”
― Gloria Steinem

Dorothy Pitman Hughes, co-founder of Ms. Magazine, is an African-American activist, public speaker and author. She organized the first shelter for battered women in New York City and co-founded the New York City Agency for Child Development now known as the New York City Administration for Children’s Services.

“If [women] could go to banks and get a [business] loan, the whole face of Harlem would change.” ―   Dorothy Pitman Hughes

The picture was taken in 1971 for Esquire Magazine to kick off a media campaign on feminism.

The raised fist has been used to represent the empowerment of feminism and racial equality for years. It has been used in the black power and women’s rights movements and has been associated with militancy and rebellion as well as unity and solidarity. Socialist, communist and political activists have used it. No one group owns it and no one “cause” can claim it. It’s use conforms to the meaning of the movement, the cause, the group or individual. The raised fist has been used equally by the oppressed and the oppressors, one representing dominant superiority the other defiant determination. One fact remains true; no one can define its meaning for you. In honor of women’s history month and for the sake of this article, I invited a few friends to share what the Fist In The Air represents to them. Please read what they had to say:
 

"This picture represents the power of women of all races and how far we’ve come to be equal." ~Kim Barker

“The Fist in the air represents women's empowerment and equality and how far we’ve come from not being able to vote or work for the same pay rate as men even though we were doing the same job. It also represents having a love for women of ALL colors, uplifting and embracing each other instead of tearing each other down.” ~Sonya Jones

“For me, the fist in the air represents symbolism of empowerment of women. It denotes taking charge of our own lives, and standing in solidarity with all women of strength, courage and good-will regardless of race, class, background or social standing. We are united and moving forward together. We must lift each other up, and not put each other down.”  ~Lisa Holden

“I hold my fist in the air to honor my sisters, my people and the struggle. The fist has symbolized power for generations. Sisters that have found their place, honored their purpose and support each other in not just their successes but also their failures. Those that stand together in individual battles and remain strong during global wars. Women that have been beaten, humiliated, embarrassed, hurt and abused but still stand. The women who gain power from each other and strength from our Creator.”  ~Rhonda Jemison

“In Celebration of All women and womanhood ~ Embracing my God-given place, power and strength I raise fist in salutation to the women before me and those behind that have fought with blood sweat tears and prayer to be the amazing ,women, mothers, sisters, mentors you are standing strong, filling the gap, lending a hand and going above and beyond to do what's right in a very imperfect world . I love you my Sisters.” ~Sharon Johnson

Copyright © 2015 by [The Sojourner's Truth]. All rights reserved.
Revised: 08/16/18 14:12:23 -0700.

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