‘I have achieved’
History month time to celebrate, reflect on achievements
EDITOR’S NOTE: This the first of a continuing series on Women’s History Month.
March is Women’s History Month — a time when the accomplishments of women and their contributions to history are celebrated in communities not only across the country, but around the globe.
Minnie Lenox, human resources director for the city of Hot Springs, said she’s excited to see women honored in this way, though their achievements should be celebrated all the time.
“Women are here; they have
been here. They are a very important part of society. Without women, we wouldn’t be here, bottom line,” Lenox said.
First lady Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams,” something Lenox said she agrees with.
Early on she knew she wanted to help people, mentor them, and share what knowledge she has gained over the years, she said.
“I had the dream early on and because of that I am where I am today,” she said. “I have had people along the way that helped me, that have nurtured me and pushed me that way; because of that, they have deposited into me the things that have allowed me to be who I am today.”
The word “feminist” means to Lenox “of a female nature or the anatomy of a woman,” she said, noting women started doing things before others started saying that it was “a male-dominant thing in the workplace.”
“A lot of men were sent off to war, so who was left at home but the women to do things? Working (needed) to be done, and jobs had to be fulfilled. Women stepped up to the plate,” Lenox said.
“We were all created equal and (I) decided that I’m not going to belittle or diminish my achievements because of a man. I have achieved, and I have done,” Lenox said.
Women have made a mark and have started letting their voices be heard, she said, but there was a time where women’s voices were silenced.
While women gained the right to vote in 1920, African Americans were not allowed to vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965, she said.
“It did not stop us. We did it. We made it, and we are still making strides,” Lenox said.
“It is something about a woman and a woman’s instinct that you can’t find in a book. It’s just something that’s in there (that) allows you to come out, achieve and move on in spite of the odds you come across.”
Lenox said she is thankful for those who have come up against great odds, such as Kamala Harris, vice president of the United States, and Oprah Winfrey.
“There are strides that have been made,” she said.
She said one of the great things that came out was the 2016 film “Hidden Figures,” directed by Theodore Melfi.
“That spoke volumes. There are hidden figures all throughout society. They don’t get up and talk about it, but (citizens) are starting to see it, and (the hidden figures) are starting to get the recognition that they should have gotten a long time ago,” Lenox said.