Sally McMullin
Elevating storyteller Sally McMullen..
sallymcmullen | The Messenger
In March of 2023, Sally McMullen embarked on a remarkable journey on Instagram, launching her "Black Women We Should All Know About" series to honor and celebrate Women's History Month. Through this series, Sally set out to shed light on the incredible stories of Black women whose remarkable contributions have often been overshadowed or overlooked in mainstream American history.
One of the first remarkable women Sally highlighted was Marian Wright Edelman, a trailblazer who made history by becoming the first Black woman to pass the Mississippi Bar in 1964. This achievement was especially significant because at that time, Mississippi had only three Black lawyers. Edelman's pioneering spirit and determination broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black lawyers.
Throughout the entire month, Sally dedicated herself to sharing daily stories of these extraordinary women. Among them was Mary Kenner, a brilliant inventor who held an impressive five patents, one of which was for the sanitation belt. Her groundbreaking inventions have had a lasting impact on our society, particularly in the realm of women's health and hygiene.
Another remarkable woman featured in Sally's series was Gladys Mae West, whose contributions were instrumental in the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). Her innovative work has transformed how we navigate the world, showcasing the vital role that Black women have played in advancing technology.
Sally's dedication to unearthing hidden histories didn't stop at inventors and lawyers. She continued to curate captivating stories of Black scientists, leaders, athletes, and countless others who have left an indelible mark on our society. One such inspiring story was that of Trude Lamb, a courageous 16-year-old who successfully persuaded her high school board to rename their institution from the divisive name of Robert E. Lee to the more inclusive Tyler Legacy High School. Trude's activism and determination serve as a testament to the power of youth voices in advocating for positive change.
As the year progressed, Sally's commitment to sharing these vital stories continued unabated. In September, she shifted her focus to Black farmers and the significant strides they made in organizing and training. The contributions of these farmers are often overlooked, but they have played an essential role in shaping agricultural practices and communities across the country.
Sally's "Black Women We Should All Know About" series serves as a powerful reminder of the countless Black women who have made significant contributions to American history, despite facing immense obstacles and systemic barriers. By amplifying their voices and highlighting their achievements, Sally McMullen has made a profound impact, not only during Women's History Month but throughout the year. Her work encourages us all to recognize and celebrate the unsung heroes who have shaped our nation's history, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.
Elevating Equity
Elevating the voices of those with lived experiences and who advocate for equity in all aspects of education.
As an education organization, it is important that we provide space for those who hold the knowledge and experience from which we can learn. To do so, we want to elevate the voice of those who have and continue to do the work that fights for justice, provides historical understanding and sheds light on issues that must remain on our minds and in our hearts.
In a world that constantly grapples with issues of inequality, injustice, and systemic bias, the voices of those who work tirelessly to address these issues often are silenced. These champions of equity dedicate their lives to creating a fairer and more just society for all. Their stories, experiences, and perspectives are invaluable, offering insights that can inspire, educate, and drive change.
Our Elevating Equity series aims to shine a spotlight on the individuals and organizations that are at the forefront of the equity movement. Through a series of interviews, profiles, and in-depth explorations, we will dive deep into the experiences and perspectives of those who dedicate their lives to promoting equity in various facets of society.
Before we delve into the incredible stories of these equity champions, it's essential to understand why equity is such a critical issue in our world today. Equity goes beyond the idea of equality; it seeks to address the systemic barriers and injustices that prevent marginalized communities from accessing the same opportunities and resources as others. Achieving equity means recognizing and dismantling these barriers, ensuring that every individual has a fair shot at success, regardless of their background.
The work of equity is multi-faceted and spans various sectors, including education, healthcare, criminal justice, environmental justice, and beyond. These individuals and organizations tirelessly advocate for change, striving to create a more inclusive and just society.
This series will introduce you to a diverse array of equity champions from all walks of life. You'll hear from educators who are revolutionizing the classroom, activists fighting for criminal justice reform, healthcare professionals bridging healthcare disparities, environmentalists tackling climate justice, and many more.
Each article in the series will provide an in-depth look into the lives and work of these remarkable individuals and organizations. You'll learn about their motivations, their challenges, their triumphs, and their visions for a more equitable future.
We hope that by sharing these stories, we can inspire and empower others to join the fight for equity. Whether you're an advocate for change, a curious learner, or someone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding equity, this series is for you.
The Elevating Equity s is more than just a collection of stories; it's a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and education. It's a celebration of those who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place for all, one step at a time.
As we embark on this journey through the lives of equity champions, we invite you to open your hearts and minds to their stories. Let their experiences serve as a reminder that change is possible, and that each one of us has a role to play in building a fairer and more just world.
Stay tuned for our first installment, where we'll introduce you to a remarkable individual whose work in the field of equity has left an indelible mark on the lives of many. Together, we can elevate their voices and work towards a more equitable future for all.