Female Rebels

When I think about famous women throughout history, a few names stand out: Mary, the mother of Jesus, Cleopatra, Marie Currie, Anne Frank, Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, Susan B. Anthony, Helen Keller and Maya Angelou. Unlike the Kardashians, Hiltons, and Waltons who have done little more than amass wealth and live privileged lifestyles, these women changed the world and made it better.

I started to wonder. What did world-changing women have in common? What qualities resulted in their accomplishment, fame, and international regard? I concluded that they were rebels. They took risks for the greater good. Despite their second-class status, they were courageous enough, rebellious enough to buck the system, upset the status quo, and achieve their life’s purposes, whether intentional or inadvertent. Their behavior was radical for their times. They risked rejection, social stigma, and in some cases, arrest and even death.

I doubt that Saint Mary, Helen Keller or Rosa Parks set out to be famous. Their renown occurred through living with courage and purpose, taking a stand against oppression and injustice, and using their particular walks of life to improve the lives of others. They exhibited strength and commitment when women were expected to keep their mouths shut and obey their husbands. These rebels paved the way for the rest of us who glibly go about our lives, forgetting that women weren’t always allowed to vote, forgetting that most of us have never had to fight to sit wherever we wanted to sit on the bus, and taking for granted things like sight and hearing and proper medical care for ourselves and our families.

Dr. Maya Angelou is one of my greatest heroes, not only because of what she accomplished in her life—which was remarkable—but because of who she was at her core. She suffered every possible oppression, including race, gender, poverty, and sexual assault. Despite the world’s efforts to keep her subjugated, she not only survived but soared. She worked as a cable car conductor, cook, waitress, sex-worker, dancer, actor, playwright, author, poet, editor, Calypso singer, and cast member of the opera Porgy and Bess. She was the author of more than 30 books and the recipient of more than 50 honorary degrees. She even won a Grammy and a Tony. She didn’t set out to become famous. Rather she rebelled to be heard. Her voice was not hers alone. She spoke for all “caged birds” giving them a voice and the freedom to sing their songs.

Dr. Angelou used her fame as a platform for spreading a message of love and respect for all human beings. Her life’s purpose may be summed up in her quote: “If you don't like something, change it. Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud. My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated.” That’s how she lived her life, and that’s how I want to live whatever time remains of my earthly life.

Cindy L. Freeman is the author of two award-winning short stories and three published novels: Diary in the Attic, Unrevealed and The Dark Room. Coming soon from High Tide Publications: I Want to Go Home. Website: www.cindylfreeman.com; Facebook page: Cindy Loomis Freeman. Her books are available through amazon.com or hightidepublications.com