Remembering An Everyday Shero During Women's History Month

The first person to teach me that my vote was my right and responsibility was my mother, Bernadette Smith.

As a single mom, working full-time, often several jobs to make ends meet, she'd a lot on her plate. To say times were tough is an understatement, but she still found a way to teach my brother and I about active citizenship.

I clearly remember one year when I was about 9 years old, my brother was 5, when she piled us into her beat up car and drove us around town putting up campaign placards. That was the same year she took us to our first political event - election night. It felt electric. I've no idea who she was supporting or even if they won, but I do remember the joy and intensity of emotion in that hall. Everyone united by the same hopes and vision.

Throughout my life she would remind me, "You've got to vote Anne-Marie. It's your body, your money, your life, your vote. You mustn't let anyone else control those things. Own them. Protect them. Never take them for granted or you could lose them forever."

My mom never held a political office. Frankly, she spent most of her time working so my brother and I would have a better life. Through her efforts our lives ARE incredibly blessed. Furthermore, what she taught me at 9 years old continues to influence everything about me. Because of her... I vote. I lead. I live. And I champion for humanity. Every day.

March is women's history month, when we remember the significant contributions of women that history has ignored or forgotten. During such celebrations we tend to focus on the extraordinary women whose work has inexorably changed our lives. Phenomenal women such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary Lyon and Katherine Johnson. But, it's also important that we celebrate the subtle, yet significant impact of ordinary women just like my mom, Bernadette Smith.

#BecauseOfHer...

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