The 2024 presidential election motivated me to have a birthday do-over

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At the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Pointe in Time Emerald Gala Today marks a week since my birthday.  Its occurrence is a tremendous blessing. Because all around us are reminders about the fragility of life. To that end, my brother, who always makes a point to celebrate me, took me to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater's Pointe in Time Emerald Gala on November 2d. That was the beginning of my birthday celebrations. And then, on my birthday itself, I got a bit of a surprise... My actual birthday was tough. It was Election Day. And, I spent the day working polls as a part of an election protection effort. My efforts were designed to protect all voters. However, deep in my heart I love my AKA sister, Kamala Harris and I hoped for her historic victory. Then, much to my chagrin and despite my efforts—and those of thousands more—she lost. In my estimation, that loss was one of the greatest setbacks in human dignity in my lifetime.  The country elected a felon and self-proclaimed, racist, ableis
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Working Mom Reflections: Women's Equality Day

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#UnitedStateofWomen
At The United State of Women Summit
Yesterday marked “Women's Equality Day” when we celebrate when women gained the right to vote in America.  Voting is a fundamental right of citizenship. So, it is appropriate that we celebrate this day. It is also a reminder that the founders did not include women as full participating members in society.

So, in a word, we have come a long way baby!
However, we still have a long way to go. And true equality involves more than voting.
Inequality for American women remains a reality, even though we do have a female candidate for our highest office.  Women have yet to achieve pay equity. (And for African-American women the pay inequity is even larger. Just this week we commemorated the Equal Pay Day for African-American Women, which is the day it takes them to make what white men make. It occurred months after the general equal pay day.) Women still fight for reproductive freedom, even after Roe v. Wade. Every election season there is public discussion about what should be private medical decisions between a woman, her God and her physician.
Presidential elections are painful reminders that certain rights are not absolute...

President Obama at the United State of Women Summit

Still, there is cause to be optimistic. In June, I attended the United State of Women conference where we discussed these issues and more. When the topic of personal safety is the longest discussion of the day, you know that lots of work needs to be done. Still, the fact that there was an entire summit convened by the White House focused on the state of women where the Vice-President, President Obama and the First Lady spoke was inspiring.

Also, Hillary Clinton is within reach of shattering the highest and hardest glass ceiling. So, there will be a generation of young women, like my daughter, who will grow up assuming that they have equal opportunity and I believe that they will make it so.

Here's to equality!

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