Who Run The world? Girls!

KSU TRIO is proud to celebrate and recognize the impact and contributions of all the women in our lives and our history. March gives us a chance to remember the success and hardships of women, think about the work we have left to do to reach true gender equality, and give recognition to the people and organizations helping to affect change.

Women’s History Month began as a small community commemoration in Santa Rosa, California. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women celebrated the first “Women’s History Week” in 1978, which grew into the month-long celebration we know today.

"Too often the women [of America] were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well." - President Jimmy Carter

The National Women’s History Alliance, which was a major proponent for a National Women’s History Month, has announced the women’s history theme for 2023, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”

Through using this theme to focus our attention, NWHA encourages us to recognize the women, past and present, who have long been entrusted with this laborious yet rewarding task. The timely theme honors women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition decade after decade.

For this Women's History Month, we at KSU TRIO will celebrate by seeking out the stories of the women close to us. There is wisdom to be known in the experiences of others, and to learn from the women in our lives is a great privilege. Try reaching out to an important woman in your life and learn something!

Josephine Baker: Using your talent for what you believe in

In the spirit of learning women's stories, this one is a wild ride. An international pop culture icon, Josephine Baker’s lasting mark on society shows how artistry can create a platform with which you can impact entire generations.

Born to a family of entertainers in Missouri, Josephine grew up dancing and singing as a means of income for her family. In the midst of tirelessly chugging away in a segregated America where people did not appreciate her, it took one performance to change Josephine's life. Josephine’s talent led to her being discovered by a performance troupe, which gave her the opportunity to travel abroad and escape the harsh discrimination and poverty she faced in her home state.

Touring and performing with her newfound company allowed Josephine's talent and stardom to flourish - eventually landing her in France, where she performed at prominent establishments in Paris. Uninhibited by the constraints of segregation, Josephine saw the potential lurking in the shadows of her home - a desegregated America would be a better America.

Just as her career was taking off, Josephine came to an abrupt halt at the beginning of World War II. Now living in war-torn Europe, Josephine used her craft to stand up for her beliefs and principles. Josephine became a member of the French Resistance, transferring enemy information heard during performances back to the Resistance via secret ink and messages in song lyrics, awarding her many honors after the end of the war.

However, returning to everyday life after the war and back to the United States, Josephine was again left to ponder the potential she had glimpsed back in France. To again face the discrimination and segregation she experienced in her youth after tasting freedom propelled her into action once again.

Josephine became a fierce champion of the Civil Rights movement, even becoming the only female speaker at the March on Washington in 1963. Her speech was one of many, standing next to great orators like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and more, and like always, she performed and she performed well.

“Surely the day will come when color means nothing more than the skin tone, when religion is seen uniquely as a way to speak one’s soul; when birth places have the weight of a throw of the dice and all men are born free, when understanding breeds love and brotherhood.” - Josephine Baker

Later in her life, Josephine received accolades and recognition from the NAACP for her ongoing work to fight against injustice. Her accomplishments and struggle for justice continue to impact people all around the world today. Josephine Baker is a testament that you can make a difference in the world while still doing what you love.