By Judith Fales, Co-Editor Buffalo Healthy Living
This year’s National Women’s Health Alliance (NWHA) theme for Women’s History Month is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” NWHA recognizes women, past and present, who have been engaged in storytelling through print, radio, TV, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, and more. They are honoring women who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art, pursuing truth, and reflecting the human condition decade after decade. These storytelling authors, journalists, songwriters, scholars, playwrights, performers, mothers, and grandmothers are instrumental in honoring our heritage, communicating life’s lessons, and strengthening our connection with each other.
When I think about Western New York women whose past stories will be remembered, several come to mind, including Zorah Berry, Lauren Belfer, Minnie Bell, Louise Blanchard Bethune, Taylor Caldwell, Katharine Cornell, Shirley Chisholm, Marian DeForest, Abigail Fillmore, Anna Katherine Green, Jean Hill, Lorna Hill, Mary Burnett Talbert, and Ann Mongomery.
When I think about Western New York today women who inspire me with their inspirational stories, I think of Karima Amin, Lavonne Ansari, Naila Ansari, Al-Nisa Banks, Keah Brown, Sheila Brown, Eileen Buckley, Hannah Buehler, Gale Burstein, Alma Carrillo, Donna Collins, Paula D’Amico, Mary Alice Demler, Tracey Drury, Claudine Ewing, Kate Glaser, Candice Johnson, Stephanie Kennedy, Karen L. King, Francesca Messiah, Brenda McDuffie, Jennifer Parker, Annette Pinder, Rita Hubbard Robinson, Sheila Rayam, Anna Marie Sinatra, Peggy Sullivan, Alexa Wajeed, Sandy White, Lillian Williams, Jacqui Walker, and Mercedes Wilson, to name a few.
I apologize for those I have inadvertently omitted, but welcome your suggestions for those who should be included, and whose stories we should consider featuring. I am grateful to all of the women’s voices in our community who are critical to keeping us informed, entertained, and aware.
