OP-ED by Michale Gabriel — The Past. In 1977, at the age of 32, I had the honor of chairing Alaska’s exhibit for the International Women’s Conference in Houston, Texas.
The exhibit featured powerful women, resilient women, women of purpose—including a judge from Barrow, who, after administering justice in her courtroom, could be found on the ice cutting up seal meat with her papoose on her back.
Twenty thousand people attended the Women’s Conference which was chaired by activist Bella Abzug. Bella was joined by First Ladies: Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford and Ladybird Johnson. Maya Angelou read the Declaration of American Woman.
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The issues facing women in 1977 were clear: The Equal Rights Amendment, reproductive rights, child care funding, sexual orientation, education reform, advocating for the rights of the disabled, minority and aging women.
The Present. I advocated for those issues then and I advocate for them now, 47 years later. In addition, as a former Director of Children’s Public Library Services, and a professional storyteller for over 40 years, I am appalled that over 4,240 books have been banned from United States libraries and schools including, much to my shock, Charlotte’s Web, a book that deeply impacted my life in third grade.
As a Storytelling Leadership Coach in the corporate world for the past 30 years, I am appalled watching a presidential candidate, demean, devalue, diminish and delight in dividing the people of the country I love. This behavior is abhorrent in anyone but certainly in someone who seeks the highest office in the land.
So, by now you know I voted for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz and straight down the ticket. Because this is not ordinary election.
The Future. Democracy is on the line. And I want you to stand where I stand.
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