LIT LIT: JAN
Part of our mission in theGirlMob is to provide a fun platform and purposeful haven for young women by empowering her potential – with stories and experiences for women who look like her. Because when we see ourselves in others we can quite literally envision real ideas happening to and with real people.
Let’s be real: this week, President Obama’s farewell speech caught us all in the feels. And a simple but holy-shit reality that comes with the close of his term is the fact that we will no longer have a black president in office. Beyond his leadership and accomplishments, he is the embodiment of potential for future young black men. His very existence in the white house was something that sons could see before their very eyes as something possible – I could be president someday.
I’m loving this month’s theme: purpose. Because as a young woman of color, my purpose is ever evolving as my passions grow and as opportunities expand for women like me. What was foreign to me at 7 years old, seemed impossible when I was 17, and now seems more than possible at 27.
Like many of y’all, I was scrolling through tweets before, during, and after Mr. President’s farewell speech and came across this gem:
And all I could think was: I know right?! #RealTalk
So let’s go, ladies. The flame’s ignited and it’s time to set those passions ablaze. Light up your minds with these reads meant to connect to your heart, discover your purpose, and own your pursuits.
“Take your broken heart -- make it into art” – Carrie Fisher.
Claiming an Education
by Adrienne Rich
“The first thing I want to say to you who are students, is that you cannot afford to think of being here to receive an education: you will do much better to think of being here to claim one. One of the dictionary definitions of the verb "to claim" is: to take as the rightful owner; to assert in the face of possible contradiction. "To receive" is to come into possession of: to act as receptacle or container for; to accept as authoritative or true. The difference is that between acting and being acted-upon, and for women it can literally mean the difference between life and death.”
I Almost Forgot About You: A Novel
by Terry McMillan
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Waiting to Exhale is back with the inspiring story of a woman who shakes things up in her life to find greater meaning
In I Almost Forgot About You, Dr. Georgia Young's wonderful life--great friends, family, and successful career--aren't enough to keep her from feeling stuck and restless. When she decides to make some major changes in her life, including quitting her job as an optometrist and moving house, she finds herself on a wild journey that may or may not include a second chance at love. Georgia’s bravery reminds us that it’s never too late to become the person you want to be, and that taking chances, with your life and your heart, are always worthwhile.
Taking Back My Yesterdays: Lessons in Forgiving and Moving Forward With Your Life
by Linda H. Hollies
A must-read book! Linda Hollies has successfully combined personal honesty and solid biblical storytelling to teach us how to forgive and let go of yesterday. . . The prayers will inspire you. The principles will encourage you. The psalms will direct your path.--Iyanla Vanzant, author of Acts of Faith.
Women Who Don't Wait in Line: Break the Mold, Lead the Way
by Reshma Saujani
There’s never been a better time to be woman. We live in an era when girls are told they can do anything. So why aren’t we seeing more women rising to the top ranks of corporations and the government? Why don’t our girls have more women in leadership roles to look up to?
Women Who Don't Wait in Line is Women Who Don't Wait in Line an urgent wake-up call from politico and activist Reshma Saujani. The former New York City Deputy Public Advocate and founder of the national nonprofit Girls Who Code argues that aversion to risk and failure is the final hurdle holding women back in the workplace. Saujani advocates a new model of female leadership based on sponsorship—where women encourage each other to compete, take risks, embrace failure, and lift each other up personally and professionally.
What Matters Most: Ten Lessons in Living Passionately from the Song of Solomon
by Renita J. Weems
Using the work of Scripture as inspiration, Weems offers 10 lessons that teach women how to discover what their passions are, and how to create direction and meaning in their lives. Helps readers to understand that passion is not something awakened by other people, but an inner source of energy that flows out of every aspect of one's being. In doing so, Weems empowers women to fight against stereotypes and ignore the conventional way of doing things in order to find their own happiness and joy.
Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History
by Sam Maggs
ANTHOLOGY
Smart women have always been able to achieve amazing things, even when the odds were stacked against them. In Wonder Women, author Sam Maggs tells the stories of the brilliant, brainy, and totally rad women in history who broke barriers as scientists, engineers, mathematicians, adventurers, and inventors. Plus, interviews with real-life women in STEM careers, an extensive bibliography, and a guide to women-centric science and technology organizations—all to show the many ways the geeky girls of today can help to build the future.
