March is Women’s History Month, time to recognize and honor the fearless women who came before us, and stand among us — young, old, black, white, from many countries.

Do you know:

Harriet Tubman, who led her people through darkness to freedom? Ida B. Wells, who wielded words to expose cruelty, demanding dignity? Shirley Chisholm, unbought, unbossed, defied authoritarian rule? Greta Thunberg, with moral conviction, speaking environmental truth?

Dolores Huerta, who organized hearts and hands movement for freedom and rule of law? Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who fought for our freedoms with nonpartisan rule of law? Angela Davis, who radically uprooted oppression in many forms?

Malala Yousafzai, with her unshaken voice for girl’s equality and education? Fannie Lou Hamer, whose endurance fought voter suppression as a civil rights leader? Cassidy Hutchinson’s integrity and courage to tell truth to power? Nancy Pelosi, with her grit breaking down barriers, staring down corruption?

And, all the unnamed women resisting quietly, marching loudly, fiercely with courage.

Are you ready? Loudly, fiercely with courage … join us for the “Hands Off” March at noon on April 5 in Astoria, on Marine Drive, and nationwide.

LAREE JOHNSON
Astoria