Michael Elsohn Ross - She Takes a Stand: 16 Fearless Activists Who Have Changed the World

$19.95 (CAN $23.95)

I n an age of slacktivism and fleeting social media fame, She Takes a Stand offers a realistic look at the game-changing decisions, high stakes, and bold actions of women and girls around the world working to improve their personal situations and the lives of others.

This inspiring collection of short biographies features the stories of extraordinary figures past and present who have dedicated their lives to fighting for human rights, civil rights, workers rights, reproductive rights, and world peace. Budding activists will be inspired by antilynching crusader and writer Ida B. Wells, birth control educator and activist Margaret Sanger, girls-education activist Malala Yousafzai, Gulabi Gang founder Sampat Pal Devi, who fights violence against Indian women, Dana Edell, who works against the sexualization of women and girls in the media, and many others.

Including related sidebars, a bibliography, source notes, and a list of activist organizations readers can explore in person or online, She Takes a Stand is an essential resource for classroom reports or for any young person passionate about making a difference.

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Michael Elsohn Ross

Copyright 2015 by Michael Elsohn Ross

All rights reserved

Published by Chicago Review Press, Incorporated

814 North Franklin Street

Chicago, Illinois 60610

ISBN 978-1-61373-026-3

Interior design: Sarah Olson

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Ross, Michael Elsohn, 1952

She takes a stand : 16 fearless activists who have changed the world / Michael Elsohn Ross.

pages cm. (Women of action)

Summary: Portraits of brave women from the late 1800s through todayrole models who are passionate about important issues A source of inspiration for young women with strong social convictions, She Takes a Stand highlights 16 extraordinary women who have fought for human rights, civil rights, workers rights, reproductive/sexual rights, and world peace. Among these are many who have been imprisoned, threatened, or suffered financial hardships for pursuing their missions to change the world for the better. Included are historic heroes such as anti-lynching crusader Ida B. Wells and suffragist Alice Paul, along with contemporary figures such as girls-education activist Malala Yousafzai; Gulabi Gang founder Sampat Pal Devi, who fights violence against Indian women; and SPARK executive director Dana Edell, who works to end the sexualization of women and girls in the media. Taking a multicultural, multinational perspective, She Takes a Stand spotlights brave women around the world with an emphasis on childhood details, motivations, and life turning pointsin many cases gleaned from the authors original interviewsand includes related sidebars, a bibliography, source notes, and a list of organizations young women can explore to get involved in changing their worldProvided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-61373-026-3 (hardback)

1. Women social reformersJuvenile literature. 2. Women political activistsJuvenile literature. 3. Womens rightsJuvenile literature. 4. WomenPolitical activityJuvenile literature. I. Title.

HQ1236.R5965 2015

320.082dc23

2015001401

Printed in the United States of America

5 4 3 2 1

To my dear friend Lynn MacMichael, a devoted activist for peace and justice, who has inspired me to write this book.

Index

W hen citizens are faced with villains in comic books and movies, a superhero arrives in the nick of time to set things right. In the real world, it takes ordinary people doing the extraordinary to confront violence and injustice. Normal people rising up to change the world for the better are as courageous as any superhero.

Among these heroes are girls and women who have reached the point where they feel they have no choice but to take action. In this book you will meet 16 such women, young and old, from all over the worldlike Kalpona Akter, a girl fired from her job in a garment factory for trying to improve horrid working conditions, and Ida B. Wells, a young black reporter who set out, armed only with her words, to end the lynchings of African Americans. Each of them found the courage and perseverance to pursue her goals for as long as it took, despite threats against their lives. Other activists, such as musician Buffy Sainte-Marie and painter Judy Baca, chose to use their artistic talents in service of social change.

These stories and those of 12 other courageous women may inspire you to take action to solve a problem, whether it is in your neighborhood or the global community, and become one more ordinary person accomplishing one more extraordinary act.

One of the biggest problems I had getting started was getting people to take me and my ideas seriously.Megan Grassell

I n the following pages you will meet women who have taken a stand for basic rights and respect, against greed and corruption, and against violence around the world. But sometimes a practical problem in your own family can prompt you to act. Thats what happened to Megan Grassell, an inspiring example of how one teen got fired up and wouldnt give up. Her efforts now contribute to the comfort and emotional well-being of thousands of young teen and tween girls.

Megan was born on August 16, 1995, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Her father, Chopper, grew up in the Green River Valley of Wyoming. Her mother, Lynn, was from Georgia. Grandma Susan, Choppers mother, was raised on a ranch lacking both electricity and running water. In this rugged rural area many people learn to be resourceful and, though independent in spirit, are always ready to lend a hand.

Megan during her senior year of high school.

Courtesy of Megan Grassell

Growing up in the small town of Pinedale, on the west side of the Wind River Mountains, Megan enjoyed fun times outdoors with her older brother Will.

Megans carefree days with Will and their younger sister, Caroline, nicknamed Buggs, didnt last long. When Megan was in kindergarten Will was diagnosed with brain cancer. Fortunately, after treatment, he was cancer free. But then, just a month before Megans seventh birthday, Caroline fell off a float in the Rendezvous Parade, and she died as a result, a tragic loss for the family and community. Later their mother gave birth to another daughter, Mary Margaret.