Harvey Milk by Emily O’Regan

By in Leadership, Political Leaders

Politician and Civil Rights Activist   “If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet shatter every closet door.”-Harvey Milk          Harvey Milk’s personal connection to the LGBT community may have served as more powerful motivation to strive for equality. His goal was to inspire as many individuals as possible in order to promote a better world. He wanted to persuade especially his gay audiences that they can be raised to understand the politics of democracy in order to end the discrimination that they face. As the nation’s first openly gay official, Harvey Milk’s determination had given the LGBT community a dream. He believed that  “a true function of public officials is not just to pass laws and approve appropriations, but to give hope.” After campaigning during four different elections, Milk had been elected as a member of San Francisco’s Board of...

Ella Baker by Carrie Gibson

By in Human Rights, Leadership

“In order for us as poor and oppressed people to become a part of a society that is meaningful, the system under which we now exist has to be radically changed. It means facing a system that does not lend itself to your needs and devising means by which you can change that system. That is easier said than done.” – Ella Baker In the quote from Ella Baker shown above, she is basically saying that in order to see change you have to do more than just want it. Actions will grant you change, change only occurs through physical action. She very well knows that changing society will not be an easy task but it’s not impossible either.    Ella Josephine Baker: Lifetime  Ella Josephine Baker was one of the most inspiring leaders in history. She spent most of her time as an activist working behind the scenes to organize the Civil Rights Movement. She was born in 1903...

Rosa Parks by Syasia Everett

By in Human Rights, Leadership

Rosa Parks 1913-2005 “If I can sit down for freedom, you can stand up for the children.” Rosa Parks was one of the most influential leaders to have ever lived, leaving a great impact on the world. Many Americans have looked up to her in admiration because of what she stood for and how courageous she was. Everyone knows the story of how Rosa Parks became well known to America, which was her refusal to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama for a white man. Back in the 1950’s this was indeed illegal, therefore Parks was arrested. This arrest did not stop Parks, or other civil rights activists, fight against segregation. In fact, this served as ammunition to ignite the Bus Boycotts. I, for one, admired her and her ambition, as well as her willingness to stand up for what she believed in. Parks fight for equality did not start or stop after her incident on the bus. As it turns...

John Lewis

By in Human Rights, Leadership

“If you’re not hopeful and optimistic, then you just give up. You have to take the long hard look and just believe that if you’re consistent, you will succeed.” John Lewis is a member of the U.S House of Representatives representing Georgia’s 5th district. He is the only living “big six” leader of the Black Civil Rights movement which consisted of Martin Luther King Jr., James Farmer, John Lewis, A. Phillip Randolph, Roy Wilkins and Whitney Young. I admire John Lewis’ courage in the civil rights movement as he was leading the SNCC movement through the freedom rides, specifically when he encouraged the SNCC students that were dropped off in Klan territory to keep going and afterwards stating “we had a mandate, a moral obligation” (Lewis, 151). John Lewis had a great impact on the conception of the American Dream by making it achievable for all races in his...

John F. Kennedy by Frank Calcutta

By in Leadership, Political Leaders

  By Frank Calcutta, Wagner College Class of 2018  “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”-John F. Kennedy This quote by John Kennedy, given on a Thanksgiving Day, can be applied to the former President as a leader who practiced what he preached. In many ways, the man’s actions prove that he lived by his beliefs. John Kennedy was a staunch advocate for both civil and international liberty. He fought for equality and justice and expressed his visions, goals and aspirations during the Civil Rights Movement. He is also credited for his peacekeeping efforts during the Cold War. One indication that Kennedy was a principled man was the fact that he was able to initiate one very long-awaited piece of legislation, the Civil Rights’ Act. This act ensured desegregation. JFK will...

Hilary Clinton: An Empowering Woman of the 21st Century

By in Political Leaders

Empowering Women will move our country forward:  “Too many women in too many countries speak the same language, of silence” – Hillary Clinton Hillary Clinton is one of the most well-known women of our 21st century.  Her prominence began in 1993 when she became First Lady of the United States – driving her husband, Bill Clinton through two terms as President.  However, Hillary was determined to be known for more than just a First Lady – she had dream.  She gained significant influence and power to run for the Democratic nomination in 2008 in hope to be America’s first woman President.   Apart from her prominence in the political spectrum, she is also known worldwide for encouraging women to achieve their goals.  She is a huge advocate of feminism and a role model for women at their finest.  Hillary has achieved accomplishments where no other woman has tread on. ...