Written by Karen Mullins / Southern NOW District National Board Member

I am moved by the earthquakes of the last two and a half weeks. For women, today brings the end of an era and a path to new beginnings. Dolly Parton brought hope, tenderness, and moxie to all that she created. She made us face the discomfort of seeing the biases we hold when we meet someone different from ourselves. She shared her world with us, and we are so much better for it.

Gloria Steinem juxtaposed our culture to shed light on the shortcomings in women’s lives. She embodied grace and wisdom, serving in an ironically maternal way as a mother to all. She shared her world with us, and we are so much better for it. Both women championed women, walked in grace, and made room for others to be fully human in their own right. I am encouraged by the leaders of today and the future who have heard and applied the lessons of both Dolly and Gloria. We have wonderful leaders now because of them both.