WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH ‘23

March annually marks a month of special tribute to the accomplishments and significant contributions women have made in the shaping of our country and global legacy. In the last few decades, women have shattered the glass ceiling in business, education, technology, and politics and continue to rise in their glory as the movemakers of this generation.

African American women are taking the forefront of this success mission, with the likes of recent billionaires such as Rihanna, who graced our television screens in February during the NFL’s halftime show. Her Fenty line of cosmetics, lingerie and clothes have broken into an industry once championed by famous names such as, Victoria Secret, marketing to the everyday man and woman, cutting a huge slice out of the pie, with a proud statement of inclusivity, and equality - as her products are effectively being marketed to all creeds and races.

Additionally, and closer to home, it goes without saying that one of the most noteworthy accomplishments within the United States, has been the rise of Vice President, and Soror Kamala Harris. A historic moment for all young black girls with political dreams. Kamala, an Indo-Jamaican American, graduated from Howard University and went on to have a stellar career in the field of law and politics.

Thier stories, familiar to most, is HISTORY. It shapes the thinking of our daughters, and sons. It gives the previous generations an opportunity to reflect on the journey of the leaders who paved a way for this new wave of female leadership. Names unforgotten, and pioneers in the field such as Victoria Woodhull, who in 1870, was the first woman to run for the United States Presidency. Though it took two decades to see the light, her efforts in Women’s suffrage, and plight for equality inspired many more women to dream, to fight, to climb to the tops of hills that are placed before them daily.

As Shirley Chisholm was to VP Harris, and Madame C.J. Walker was to Robin (Rihanna) Fenty, we must continue to shed light annually on the women who are the firsts in their fields. We must continue to look back at the pioneers who broke the ground in all fields and give way to education, creativity, and inspiration.

The cover of this month’s Torch, is not happenstance. It is an image of our Spring 2022 initiates unpacking lunches for the House of Ruth in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1976, the non-profit serves more than 600 women and children who are abused and homeless in the District. An initiative started by former Mu Lambda President, Eddie Neal, the chapter supplies a meal every month to the House of Ruth, to ease the burdens carried by the organization and continue to inspire hope.

Another major part of that initiative has been the beautification project, where the chapter provides some of the women at the House of Ruth with a day at the Spa, Hairstyling and shopping, which creates an opportunity for them to enjoy themselves, feel seen, and appreciated. It is our duty to protect womanhood. To invest in inspiration for the Queens of Washington, D.C. It is also my hope, that with our work in the community, we find, and impact positively, the next FIRST. The next AMAZING. A FUTURE WOMAN PRESIDENT.

- Bro. M. LaRocheEditor

Mission

House of Ruth empowers women, children and families to rebuild their lives and heal from trauma, abuse and homelessness.

Vision: Much More Than Housing

House of Ruth offers comprehensive support for women, children and families. Our continuum of services encompasses enriched housing for families and single women, trauma-informed daycare for children, and free counseling to empower anyone, regardless of gender, who is a survivor of trauma and abuse. Our programs provide individualized support to rebuild safe, independent, and sustainable lives. https://houseofruth.org