Women's History Month: Her Stories are Our Stories

During women’s history month, we come?together to celebrate the women who tell our stories. Their voices are often marginalized in the pages of history, but their perseverance has left a lasting legacy.?

As I reflect on many remarkable women and their incredible contributions to the world, I can’t help but think about a woman who left an indelible impact on my life. My mother, Essie Cubia. Learn more about her dedication and fortitude in my latest blog.

When you tell your story, you share a little bit of yourself with the world. Sometimes, doing so comes with great risk. Yet, there are some stories that must be told because they educate, inspire and even heal. March is Women’s History Month, and this year’s theme of “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” honors the remarkable women, past and present, who help us better understand each other and ourselves.

It is particularly important that women’s stories come to the forefront. Historical narratives have often minimized the perspective of women and restricted their agency. Yet, we cannot deny the incredible impact and contributions women have made to society. I’m grateful that we can amplify hidden figures of the past and empower the voices of women today.

Imagine a world where:

• First Lady of Michigan Helen Wallbank Milliken (1922 - 2012) did not advocate for equal rights.
• Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen (1863 - 1952) did not push back on medical discrimination against women.
• Charlotte “Lottie” Wilson (1854 - 1914) never helped establish the Phillis Wheatley Home in Detroit, a chapter of a national African American women’s club that provided lodging, educational and recreational programs, and a forum for discussing political issues.

It’s impossible to quantify the impact of the legacy of these women and others, and equally challenging to consider the loss to our society had they not bravely stepped forward to advocate for change.

I’ve made a commitment to elevate the stories of amazing women who I’ve encountered; stories that influenced me personally or professionally or brought about meaningful changes. There is one story that I will treasure for the rest of my life. And that is my mother’s story.

My mother’s story

My mom was a source of inspiration for me and my siblings. After a messy separation from my father, she moved from Houston, Texas to Pontiac, Michigan.?She had no job, no place to live, no money and only a high school education. She also had four children to raise and care for. A lesser person would have given up and thrown in the towel, but not this woman. She was determined to give the four of us the life she felt we deserved. She worked two jobs to put a roof over our heads and to provide for us. She made sure our needs were always met. She also instilled in us a sense of purpose and pride and made sure we all knew we mattered and that we were meant to be here. Running the streets was not an option— she would have none of that. Her goal for us was that we live a purposeful life and not let our circumstances define us. My mom constantly preached that education was the key to success. She dedicated her life to helping not only the four of us but was always finding a way to help and assist others. I am super proud of this woman and miss her tremendously. She stayed on this earth long enough to see all four of her children go to college, graduate school, and law school. During this month, and every month, I celebrate and hold up her memory and will forever be thankful for the life lessons she provided me, my family, and all those she touched. She is the epitome of women’s history. It is fitting that we celebrate Women’s History month in March because it is the month that she was born and the month that she transitioned home.??

I encourage you to also take the opportunity to celebrate the women whose stories impacted you—because?her?stories are?our?stories.