August 2009 Vol 2, Issue 1
To Visit My SiteBarbara S. Talley, Keynote Speaker and Poet
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Have You Ever Been Hurt By a Name? 
 
 Dear
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me."  I think almost everyone can take exception to the words 'names will never hurt me.'  Names can and do hurt and probably everyone at some time in their life has been hurt by a name or label. During parts of my tumultuous childhood my father sold fish and produce to earn a living.  During that time my sisters and I were called, 'fish girls', among other cruel names.  And it did hurt.  As I grew older I learned that names only have the power that we allow them to have.  
 
Some are scarred by other people's opinions of them and never allow themselves to heal.  But others are fortunate to be stronger and learn to use the names as useful protective armor or a catalyst to positive change.  
 
Such was the case of Bella Abzug.
  Bella was known by several names, Hurricane Bella, Battling Bella, and Mother Courage.  Time Magazine summed up how she was described by friends and foes alike in these words.  "Her partisans know her as a raucously passionate crusader for minority rights, Women's Lib and the antiwar movement, a truculent and courageous woman. To the less friendly, she comes on as a sumo liberal, a lady wrestler, Joan of Arc resurrected as an elemental yenta." 
 
In the words of Bella herself, "I've been described as a tough and noisy woman, a prize fighter, a man-hater, you name it. They call me Battling Bella, Mother Courage, and a Jewish mother with more complaints than Portnoy." 
Today, we reflect on her role as the Organizer and Founder of Women's Equality Day which is celebrated every August 26th since 1971.
In This Issue
Founder of Women's Equality Day
Do You Know About Bella Abzug?
President Obama Signs Fair Pay Restoration Act
Words from Carry Chapman Catt on August 20, 1920
Quick Links

Join Me At Blacks in  Government  (BIG) August 24-28, 2009 

On Track, On Fire, On Purpose
Tuesday 3 PM
Thursday 10 AM
Friday 8 AM
 
Superwoman Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Monday 1 PM
Thursday 3 PM
 
The Polished Professional
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Thursday 8 AM
Friday 1 PM
What Do You Know About Bella Abzug and  Women's Equality Day?
bella, koch, carterBella was born on July 24, 1920 and died in 1998, and during her 77 years she lived her life in service to women, peace, and equality.  The causes she worked for speak for themselves, freedom of the press, banning nuclear testing, ending sex discrimination, tirelessly working for civil liberties and urgent social needs such as National Day Care Centers, education, health care, and labor and tenant rights. During her six years in Congress she sponsored the Equal Rights Amendment, co-authored the Water Pollution Act of 1972,  the Freedom of Information Act, introduced the first Federal bill to support gay and lesbian civil rights, and also succeeded in pushing through the Equal Credit Act.  Bella made a name for herself because she boldly marched to a different drummer.  She was indifferent to protocol and proudly wore her wide brimmed hats on the House Floor.  In her autobiography she explained, "I began wearing hats as a young lawyer because it helped me to establish my professional identity. Before that, whenever I was at a meeting, someone would ask me to get coffee."
Bella Abzug Fought Tirelessly for Equality
In her 1971 speech before Congress in support of the amendment she argued, "Equal rights for over one half of the population of the United States is unquestionably the most important business before this Congress. An amendment proposing equal rights for women under the law was first before Congress in 1923. Now, after almost 50 years of enduring repeated defeats, the women of the United States demand their due.... Equal treatment under the law, nothing more and nothing less."
 
Bella was a staunch advocate for equal rights and knew what she was up against.  Even though she was the new kid on the block, she made an enormous impact during her six years there.  She was not afraid to speak her mind and called it like she saw it.  In describing the Congress, Bella said, "Both houses are dominated by a male, white, middle-aged, middle-and upper-middle-class power elite that stand with their backs turned to the needs and demands of our people for realistic change." From her early days as a lawyer defending a black man accused of raping a white women whom he was having an affair with, to the founding of Women's Equality Day, Bella Abzug's passion for justice made her one of the greats.  MLK said that anybody could be great because anybody could serve.  And, serve she did. 
Did You Know That On January 29, 2009, President Barak Obama Signed A Bill That Makes It Illegal to Pay a Woman Less Than A Man?
 
Barak ObamaAugust 26, 2009 is Women's Equality Day.  It is a reminder of how far we have come and how far we need to go.  It is a reminder that power secedes nothing without a fight.  It is a reminder that as women, "united we stand."  Bella died in 1998.  But many like Bella are continuing to fight for justice and equality.  Do you even know their names?  Lilly Ledbetter is one such name. 
 
On January 29, 2009, President Obama made it illegal to pay a woman less than a man doing the same job.  He said, "It is fitting that with the very first bill I sign - the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act - we are upholding one of this nation's first principles: that we are all created equal and each deserves a chance to pursue our own version of happiness." He went on to say, "...while this bill bears her name, Lilly knows this story isn't just about her. It's the story of women across this country still earning just 78 cents for every dollar men earn - women of color even less - which means that today, in the year 2009, countless women are still losing thousands of dollars in salary, income and retirement savings over the course of a lifetime."
Carrie Chapman Catt Speaks on August 26, 1920
 
Carrie Chapman Catt- Public Domain PhotoThe work is plenty and the workers are few.  Will you add your name to the champions that have gone before you and given their lives so that you can enjoy the freedoms you enjoy today?
 
On August 26, 2009, to honor these women who labored for your rights, strive to aim higher, prize your rights, and use your power for the common good.  Reflect on the triumphs women have made and commit to continue the fight for the inequities we still face.
 
I'll end with these celebratory words of Carrie Chapman Catt spoken on that auspicious day August 26, 1920 when women first won the right to vote.  I use the word "won" specifically, because it was a fight. 
 
"That vote has been costly. Prize it! The vote is a power, a weapon of offense and defense, a prayer. Understand what it means and what it can do for your country. Use it intelligently, conscientiously, prayerfully. No soldier in the great suffrage army has labored and suffered to get a "place" for you. Their motive has been the hope that women would aim higher than their own selfish ambitions, that they would serve the common good."
Barbara Talley is a motivational keynote speaker, publisher, author, and poet who speaks on vision, values, and virtues themes.  She has dedicated her life to empowering and motivating all people but especially women and youth and for justice and equality for all.  Visit her website at www.ThePoetSpeaks.com  for more information on her programs.  To book Barbara for Women's Equality Day, Diversity Day,  Leadership, Time Management, Career Develop, Effective Communications training workshops or speeches, call 301.428.4831 today.  You may also email her at [email protected]
 
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