Herstory was made and glass ceilings were shattered (both literally and figuratively) this week when former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be nominated by a major party for the office of President of the United States of America.
“What an incredible honor that you have given me, and I can’t believe we just put the biggest crack in that glass ceiling yet,” Clinton said via satellite.
The imagery, alone, of Presidential Nominee Clinton shattering the glass following images of her male predecessors was powerful. It was a reminder of why representation matters. It was a reminder of how far this country has come. It was a reminder of all the women who have come before her—Margaret Chase Smith, Shirley Chisholm, Patsy Mink, Geraldine Ferraro, and Carol Mosely Braun—to name a few.
Moreover, to see the first Black president “pass the torch” to who could be our first female president, was compelling, and delivered a renewed sense of optimism. While we certainly still have a long way to go to ensure gender parity and equity across all our systems, there’s still something to be said about a young girl being able to see someone who looks like her potentially hold the highest office in the nation.
“This is really your victory. This is really your night. And if there are any little girls out there who stayed up late to watch, let me just say I may become the first woman President. But one of you is next.”
