Historically overlooked and under-appreciated, we're taking the opportunity to honor four women of color from our times, as well as the past, for their courage, strength and hard work.
Often facing seemingly insurmountable odds in an unequal society, women of color have been part of the greatest advancements of our times, often without receiving the proper respect or recognition. We're taking the opportunity to listen to their voices and the life lessons they've learned and imparted.
Viola Davis
Growing up in extreme poverty, Viola Davis had a difficult start in life. She was bullied for her torn clothing, looked through dumpsters for food and tied rags around her neck to protect herself from the rats that lived in her condemned apartment building. Her difficult childhood fueled a fire in her that got her from near-constant hunger to becoming the first black woman to be nominated for three Oscars and activist force to be reckoned with. Her secret? Commitment, a lesson she teaches her daughter Genesis every day.
Understanding that you have to live your life with a greater goal in mind. If you want it, then you have to commit yourself to it.
Viola Davis
Eartha Kitt
There's no doubt that Eartha Kitt was one of the greatest talents of the 20th century. Singer, songwriter, actress, author and activist, Eartha Kitt spoke in 4 languages and sang in 11. But to her daughter Kitt Shapiro, she was wan amazing mother who spread kindness to all around her. Even if she didn't love them, or even like them, Eartha Kitt's guiding light was to show kindness to everyone.
This crucial life lesson shaped her daughter's life, who vividly remembers how one day, while skipping stones at the pond, Eartha told her how "All stones make an impression on the shore. The bigger the stone, the bigger the impact. But even the tiniest rock will make a ripple that will have some type of affectation over time." We're all in this life and on this planet together, so isn't it better if we treat each other with care and respect?
No one has less to live for than one who lives for himself alone.
Eartha Kitt
Oprah
Decades spent in the entertainment industry and a vast entertainment empire built from scratch are only some of Oprah Winfrey's greatest accomplishments. Her biggest achievement in life though is overcoming her difficult start in life. Despite growing up in poverty and having survived sexual assault, Oprah become a light of positivity in millions of people's homes as TV's most beloved host.
For the media mogul, it's all about always moving forward, always fighting for what we need and what we want. We all have a path in life, and it's up to us dream it, choose it, walk it. And walking that path, working and fighting to be able to follow that path will change us into the people we need to be to walk it.
We can't become what we need to be by remaining who we are.
Oprah Winfrey
The Slumflower
Just 24 year old, Chidera Eggerue is better known for her pen name and online persona The Slumflower. Growing up in a South London immigrant neighborhood, the best-selling author initially studied fashion design, but her depression forced her out of school. She turned to blogging, and started an online sensation with the #saggyboobsmatter hashtag, challenging traditional beauty norms that large breasts are only beautiful when perky and constricted in push-up bras.
The viral hashtag was followed by the award-winning bestseller What A Time To Be Alone. A loud voice for body positivity, Chidera campaigns for self-acceptance, self-love and self-worth that comes from within, that is not dependent on what friends, lovers, family or society tells us.
Instead of chasing empty ideals, why not focus on building a relationship with the parts of yourself that you've been taught to hate?
The Slumflower
More inspiring women:
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.