As a feminist activist, I am nothing without the women who came before me. Gloria Steinem was one of the greatest. Her courage gave language to our resistance. Her voice made room for generations of women to be bold, angry, brilliant, free, and unapologetic.
I have an entire wall dedicated to her in my home. That is how deeply her life, work, and legacy have impacted me.
Today, I feel profound pain but even greater gratitude. Thank you for carrying the torch before I ever knew I would need it.
Rest well, beloved. The Mother of the Movement. The movement will never forget you.
Today, the world pauses out of respect for you my dear. Well done. 💐🥹🩷♀️
Dolly Parton has always meant so much more to me than music.
She represented something I didn’t always have the words to explain: the possibility of becoming everything you are without apologizing for any of it.
She was feminine, but powerful. Soft, but fearless. Glamorous, but grounded. Ambitious, but generous. She showed me that a woman could be beautiful and brilliant, compassionate and successful, kind and unapologetically strong—all at the same time.
Dolly never seemed to believe that her light had to dim for anyone else to feel comfortable. And yet, she used that light to illuminate the path for so many others.
Her philanthropy, her commitment to literacy and education, her generosity, her advocacy for women, and her willingness to create opportunities for others are a part of what makes her so extraordinary to me. She didn’t just build an incredible life for herself—she spent her life pouring back into the world.
And maybe that’s what I admire most.
Dolly Parton showed us that success means so much more when you remember where you came from and use what you’ve been given to help someone else.
She was a trailblazer without losing her tenderness.
A feminist without needing permission.
A philanthropist with a heart as big as her dreams.
An icon who somehow still felt human.
There are people who entertain us, and then there are people whose existence quietly shapes us. Dolly has been that for me.
She reminded me that I can be bold. I can be different. I can be ambitious. I can be feminine. I can take up space. I can dream big. And I can build something meaningful without becoming hardened by the world.
Dolly Parton is, and will always be, one of my greatest inspirations.
Not just because of what she accomplished.
But because of how she chose to move through the world while accomplishing it.
With generosity. With humor. With faith. With resilience. With style. With heart.
There will never be another Dolly. And I will forever be grateful that the world got to experience her—and that somehow, through her music, her words, her work, and her example, so many of us got to feel like we knew her too.
Megan Jovon Ruth Pete is more than a chart-topping artist; she’s a force of intention, resilience, and unapologetic self-definition. Through the Pete and Thomas Foundation, she actively uplifts underserved communities with resources for education, housing, and health, turning her success into tangible impact. Her advocacy for women, especially Black women, cuts through noise with clarity, championing autonomy, confidence, and the right to exist boldly without compromise. With her unmistakable feminism and commanding presence, she embodies a kind of power that refuses to shrink, reminding people everywhere that softness and strength can coexist. Giving her flowers means recognizing not just her talent, but the way she uses her voice, platform, and purpose to create space for others to rise. 💐
Source: @aapolicyforum —— Artivism has always been at the heart of AAPF’s work because art has always been a tool for resistance. That is why this #womenshistorymonth we want to celebrate and uplift six Black women artivists whose work merges creativity with activism, pushing boundaries and reimagining what’s possible.
Bam! Today’s #WCW goes to the one and only A’ja Wilson. Iconic doesn’t even begin to cover it. From dominating the paint to redefining what leadership looks like on and off the court, she continues to set the standard every time she steps onto the floor.
What makes A’ja truly special isn’t just the accolades, the MVP performances, or the championships. It’s the way she carries herself; with humility, grace, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others up. She leads with heart, represents the game with pride, and reminds everyone watching that greatness and kindness can absolutely exist in the same person.
A’ja Wilson is proof that you can be powerful and humble, fierce and compassionate, all at once. The game is better because she’s in it, and so are the people who look up to her.
Black History Month is a time to recognize individuals whose leadership, resilience, and service have shaped communities in meaningful ways. Ella Bully-Cummings stands out as a powerful example of dedication to public safety, civic leadership, and progress.
Best known for her historic role as Detroit’s first female police chief, Bully-Cummings built a career defined by professionalism, accountability, and community engagement. Rising through the ranks of law enforcement required not only expertise but persistence. especially as a Black woman navigating spaces where representation was limited. Her leadership helped modernize policing practices while emphasizing trust between officers and the communities they serve.
Beyond her professional milestones, her story reflects broader themes central to Black history: perseverance, barrier-breaking achievement, and commitment to service. Leaders like Bully-Cummings remind us that progress often comes from those willing to challenge expectations and lead with integrity.
As we celebrate Black History Month, honoring figures such as Ella Bully-Cummings encourages reflection on how leadership, courage, and public service continue to shape stronger, more inclusive communities.
For 35 years my Momma has summoned her strength to support me through all of life’s chaotic and challenging moments. She taught me strength, perseverance, and how to move through life’s fragile chapters with courage. She taught me my people-pleasing era is over. That sometimes you have to be “selfish” to protect your peace, preserve your mental stability, and stand firm in who you are.
She shaped me into a fierce lioness: resilient, protective, and unafraid to claim my space. Focused and locked in. Going after everything that I deserve.
So please, don’t tell me happy birthday. Thank my Momma for giving me life. Because without her, there is no me. My birthday will always be dedicated to you Mommy. I love you.
