New York Times journalist Amisha Padnani lamented that, while the newspaper's obituary section routinely payed tribute to men, particularly white men, who contributed to society over the years, powerful stories about women and minorities have been grossly overlooked. Now the New York Times and Padnani are putting the spotlight on these amazing women in a history project recalling their lives and recognizing their admirable contributions.
The weekly column introduces a woman, often long-since deceased, that will be Overlooked No More. For example, Bessie B. Stringfield, a black woman and housekeeper who, despite being run off the road on multiple occasions, proudly rode her Harley Davidson through the streets of Miami and toured the U.S. performing stunts at carnivals. She was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame of the American Motorcyclist Association.
Or Yu Gwan-sun, a young Korean activist who died in prison at the age of 17 for defying oppressive Japanese rule.
Or novelist Charlotte Brontë, who brought us the classic Jane Eyre; Alison Hargreaves, who summited Mt. Everest solo; Ida B. Wells, a journalist who had the courage to report on lynchings in the deep south; Emily Warren Roebling, who oversaw the completion of the Brooklyn Bridge; and Ruth Wakefield, who invented the chocolate chip cookie.
These women will only live on if we are familiar with their stories, and pass them on. Read Overlooked, and pass it on.