10 Inspirational Women, According to Melesa Johnson
1 Shirley Chisholm
“My motivating force is community activism and civic engagement. Leveraging my legal acumen for the betterment of others is my true passion. Of course, Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman elected to congress, has been a major inspiration in developing this calling. Her mantra, "unbought and unbossed" is truly a way of life; especially in the legal practice and political realm.”
2 Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
JUDA NGWENYA / REUTERS
“Winnie's contribution to abolishing apartheid is often overlooked or overshadowed by Nelson Mandela's. During the height of the South African Government's pursuit of Nelson Mandela, Winnie went to jail numerous times, and even shot back at authorities when they riddled her home with bullets. Can we all say "gangsta" in unison?”
3 Gail Devers
“One word: SWAG! Gail Devers is an iconic American hurdler that brought style and fearlessness to the world of Track and Field. People always praise Flo Jo, which makes sense, but Flo Jo was too clean cut for me. Auntie Gail had that edge!”
4 Assata Shakur
“Popularly known as Tupac's aunt, Assata Shakur was a member of the Black Liberation Army and the Black Panther Party. And while I don't necessarily condone gun violence or the murder of the New Jersey State Trooper in 1973, she definitely embodied Malcolm X's phrase "by any means necessary”.”
5 Nia Long
“She is basically my walking style guide. I've always loved how simplistic and minimalistic she is while also being able to command a room without opening her mouth. And of course, the haircut is a dead giveaway!”
6 Jackie Joyner-Kersee
“Jackie Joyner-Kersee is an all around BEAST! During her Track and Field career, she won three Olympic gold medals, one silver Olympic medal, and two bronze Olympic medals. Winning is important, but she was also my first example of using your God given gifts to positively impact your community. Through her Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, thousands of kids in St. Louis have received increased educational and athletic opportunities as a result of her philanthropic commitment.”
7 Queen Amanirenas [of the Ancient Kingdom of Kush]
“Queen Amanirenas lead the Kushite Army in a 5 year war against the Ancient Roman Empire. No, this Queen wasn't sitting on the sidelines. Instead, she was on the battle field leading her troops and exhibiting the definition of "jumping off the porch." She won numerous battles during the war between 27 B.C. and 22 B.C. before ultimate defeat due to being outnumbered and out-resourced. But regardless, the heart was always there. Every time I am going into court or any other competitive arena, I channel her Goddess energy!”
8 Toni Morrison
“Toni Morrison wrote about the black female experience in such an intimate way. She allowed me to constantly discover myself in her books. One of my favorite quotes by her is "freeing yourself is one thing; claiming ownership of that freed self is another." I felt that in my spirit.”
9 Lil Kim
“Sounds unorthodox, but I don't believe in double standards, and that is largely due to old school Kimberly Denise Jones. During the height of the Bad Boy empire, she held her own amongst a sea of men and became a boisterous voice for black women everywhere. Basically, "Imma throw shade if I can't get paid!”
10 Melina Johnson [My Mom]
“While this may be cliché, it is true. People often wonder why I hustle so hard, and it’s because of my mom. During my formidable years, I was raised by a single mother who worked three jobs to ensure I had the most opportunity possible. I don't have the luxury of being mediocre, I have an insurmountable debt to repay to her. She and my sister are my "why," and I love them more than words could express. Family is everything!”