majozo

I am grateful for all the historical women who lived the meanings of their names, and for the contemporary women who share their experiences in this book and continue the work that must be done.

The people coming behind us will not personally know Rosa Parks, Coretta King, Georgia Gilmore, Jo Ann Robinson, and Mamie Till. They may not have even heard of some of the contemporary women featured in this work. But they know you.

They know the nurses, doulas, and healers who control the physical pain they endure. They know the advocates, social scientists and teachers who preserve our history. They know the ones who fight for change in the legal system, and those who intercede for them. They know the benefits wrought from your efforts and the impact you make in their lives And knowing you, they will, hopefully pass these gifts on to people in their lives who need compassion, guidance and healing

The blessings of the Lord are passed from person to person and they take us from glory to glory. Never think that your efforts are thrown to the wind. The Holy Spirit of God ignites in us the power to break every chain that hinders us from true freedom. That’s why the scriptural captions end each section. They are an invitation for you to see aspects of yourself in the profiles of these women.

God is forever drawing circles upon the deep, creating communities that incite transformation. And He sends the spirit of Wisdom to inspire us. As the Word of Our Lord tells us, ＂Whoever gets up early to seek her, will find her, sitting at the door.＂

Estella Conwill Majozo is a poet, retired professor, performance artist, and guide for developing spiritually. She resides in Houston, Texas.