Women's Quarter Series: Pauli Murray

 

Pauli Murray: The Intersectional Pioneer

"Give me a song of hope
And a world where I can sing it.
Give me a song of faith
And a people to believe in it.
Give me a song of kindliness
And a country where I can live it.
Give me a song of hope and love
And a brown girl's heart to hear it."
[excerpt from Dark Testament]

Another quarter to be inspired by this week! And yet, another amazing person I've never even heard of, which makes me sad. But this is one of the reasons I'm writing this US quarter series! So that I don't remain in the dark. 

It seems fitting, as we move into Pride month in the U.S., to share about Pauli Murray. Murray's life and work are a testament to the power of resilience and the profound impact one person can have on multiple fronts of social justice. In her twenties, she shortened her name to be more androgynous--from Pauline to Pauli. At the time she lived pronouns were still standardized but Murray was self-described with family as a "he/she personality" and had even asked doctors to do exploratory surgery on her to see if she was intersex. Likely because it was dangerous and illegal during the 20th century to be openly queer, Murray most commonly used she/her pronouns, so this is how I will refer to her. However, I encourage you to do your own research if you'd like to know more about the personal side of her gender identity.

Below are some interesting facts about her social and civil rights work.

Contributions spanned civil rights, feminism, law, and literature. You can hear her read an excerpt of her published volume of poetry, Dark Testament, here on the Harvard website.

Thurgood Marshall called Murray's book "States' Laws on Race and Color" the "bible" of the civil rights movement and John F. Kennedy, appointed Murray to the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women.

 Murray graduated first in the class of 1944 from Howard University but she was denied the chance to do post-graduate work at Harvard University because of her gender. Murray was even rejected despite a letter of support from sitting President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She wrote in response, "I would gladly change my sex to meet your requirements, but since the way to such change has not been revealed to me, I have no recourse but to appeal to you to change your minds. Are you to tell me that one is as difficult as the other?"

Murray was the first African American to earn a J.S.D. from Yale Law School but also the first African-American woman to be ordained as an Episcopal priest.

She addressed the intersections of race, gender, and economic status long before "intersectionality" was coined.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg named Murray as a coauthor of the ACLU brief in the landmark Supreme Court case Reed v. Reed.

Three different photos of Murray during different stages of her life.

 * An explanation on the label from the photo on the right that has "The Imp!" written on it. She wrote this on the photo herself. It's said that Murray was engaging in more than word play; she was exploring self outside the constraints of conventional identity categories. It is said, "The Imp!" provided temporary escape from confinements of many types, a chance to imagine herself as not of this world and so not thwarted by it. She also labeled other photos of herself as "The Crusader" and "The Dude." 

Into the Wild: LOTR-inspired month with Strider (Aragorn)

 "Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace." 

My garden roses in my library vase.

Hey fellow travelers! Here is a peek into my month of May which I attempted to fill with inspiration from "The Lord of the Rings,"  particularly focusing on the legendary figure, Aragorn, or as some may know him, Strider. I chose these themes below to represent Strider because to me they mirror his resourcefulness in nature.

Emergency Preparedness

I'm a strong advocate for contingency planning, so I immersed myself in a survival guide packed with practical insights titled "Survive and Thrive: How to Prepare for Any Disaster Without Ammo, Camo, or Eating Your Neighbor"  by Fulton & Devon. This was a well-rounded resource that helped me reassess my emergency preparations and make necessary adjustments. One unexpected challenge this month was my car's alternator failing, reminding me of the importance of having emergency savings and of knowing of a trusted mechanic in town. Additionally, Oklahoma's unpredictable weather and frequent tornadoes motivated me to learn a new skill. I dedicated time to learning knot tying techniques on YouTube. Among the knots I'm practicing is the bowline knot which has emerged as a reliable favorite, perfect for securing items or creating a loop that won't slip under pressure. While knot tying may not be commonly taught to women, I recognize its value in various situations, from emergencies to outdoor activities with friends or kids, and even home organization tasks. I'm eager to expand my knot tying skills with guidance from my Papa, an experienced sailor who's well-versed in this essential skill!

Fresh & Herbal

My next goal for May was motivated by Strider's skill of using natural remedies. I researched the idea of "food as medicine," with a specific focus on fresh fruits and herbs. I dedicated time to juicing oranges and sampling different teas for relaxation. I also researched common herbs to add to my food more often like ginger, garlic, and cinnamon. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries became more prominent in my diet this month as well since they have numerous health benefits. These berries are known for boosting heart health, regulating blood sugar levels, and alleviating inflammation.

In Conclusion

May has had its ups and downs, but I choose to remember it as a month of growth as I embraced some skills of a ranger. Next month, I'm shifting my focus to Faramir. He's portrayed as a thoughtful and noble character. Stay tuned, as I plan to visit a labyrinth in June!

Below are some cute animal pictures...just because! 

Jax sunning himself in the library window.

Gunner, dutch shepherd, giving a happy smile one morning.

Bubby having no cares as he relaxes in my lap.

All three Ragamese cats enjoying fresh air from a window and bird watching

 

 

Woman's Quarter Series: Maya Angelou

 

 

Maya Angelou was the next women's quarter I found! As I continue to delve into the rich tapestry of remarkable women who have shaped the landscape of the United States, Maya Angelou rightfully claims her place among the brightest stars.

📖 Famous Quote: "Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women."

💡 Little Known Facts:

 


1. International Influence: Maya Angelou's impact extended far beyond the borders of the United States. She lived in several countries, including Egypt and Ghana, where she worked as an editor and a freelance writer.

2. A Historic Appointment: In 1993, Maya Angelou made history when she became the first African American woman to recite a poem at a presidential inauguration. Her stirring rendition of "On the Pulse of Morning" captivated audiences worldwide and solidified her status as a cultural icon.

3. A Trailblazer in Education: Despite facing numerous challenges in her early years, including a period of homelessness, Angelou's thirst for knowledge never waned. She became the first Black woman to conduct a streetcar in San Francisco and later worked as a professor at Wake Forest University, inspiring countless students with her wisdom and passion for learning.

Excerpt from, "On the Pulse of Morning"

Lift up your eyes upon The day breaking for you. Give birth again To the dream.

Women, children, men, Take it into the palms of your hands. Mold it into the shape of your most Private need. Sculpt it into The image of your most public self. Lift up your hearts. Each new hour holds new chances For new beginnings. Do not be wedded forever To fear, yoked eternally To brutishness...

Here on the pulse of this new day You may have the grace to look up and out And into your sister's eyes, Into your brother's face, your country And say simply Very simply With hope Good morning.