In The Presence Of Greatness

One of the perks of my job is the opportunity to attend special functions. This week, I was fortunate to be able to attend the annual dinner for the National Women’s Law Center.

SOLD OUT! President Obama to Keynote NWLC Annual Awards Dinner

The event sold out quickly once President Obama was announced as the keynote speaker. I admit that he was the reason that I cleared my calendar and claimed a seat at my law firm’s table. Even for a usually jaded D.C. native like myself, hearing the President speak at a dinner is pretty exciting.

I knew from the announcement that the program was going to honor the Freedom Riders. What I didn’t realize is that five Freedom Riders would be at the dinner, speaking on a panel.

  • Catherine Burks-Brooks traveled by Greyhound bus from Nashville to Montgomery and from Nashville to Jackson in May of 1961.
  • Pauline Knight-Ofosu traveled by Trailways bus from Nashville to Jackson in May of 1961.
  • Joan Mullholland traveled by train from New Orleans to Jackson in June 1961.
  • Diane Nash was the coordinator of the Nashville Student Movement Freedom Rides.
  • Helen Singleton traveled by train from New Orleans to Jackson in June 1961.

Their stories we’re amazing. Their courage was inspiring. They knew right from wrong, and put their lives on the line for right.

When the interviewer asked if there was a “bus” we should be on now–a cause we should be standing up for–Helen Singleton gave this advice:

Think of an injustice that pisses you off, and focus your energy there.

(Yes, she said “pisses you off”–these women stood up to racists–they don’t mince words!)

President Obama’s speech was good. He knew his audience and knew that he was in the presence of greatness. He broke the ice with this opening line:

It’s great to be surrounded by so many powerful and accomplished women. This is not a new experience for me. 😉

He also spoke on serious issues, noting recent victories in protecting women’s rights and acknowledging the many challenges that lie ahead, from wage inequality to the scarcity of affordable quality childcare to healthcare.

It was an emotional and inspiring evening that made me realize just how fortunate I am, and left me wondering what I can do to help others who face enormous challenges on a daily basis.

Is there an injustice that pisses you off?

What can you do about it?

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1 Response to In The Presence Of Greatness

  1. Miz says:

    (sending you hugs saw your WORKING FOR 11 HOURS tweet. xo)

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