WOMEN: It’s Women’s History Month, time to reflect on the often overlooked contributions of women to U.S. History.

The website History.com offers inspiring quotes.

“Women are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water.” – Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), political figure, diplomat, activist, First Lady. After the death of her husband, FDR, she turned her focus toward human rights.

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity,” Amelia Earhart (1897-1937?), aviation pioneer. She worked to promote opportunities for women in aviation.

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” – Rosa Parks (1913-2005), civil rights activist and national symbol of dignity and strength.

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” – Shirley Chisholm (1924-2005), U.S. Congresswoman. Well known for her 1972 presidential bid, Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to Congress.

“My mission in life is not merely to survive but to thrive and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou (1928-2014), memoirist, poet, civil rights activist and newspaper editor. She spoke at St. Bonaventure in 1996.

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” – Madeleine Albright (1937-2022), U.S. Secretary of State. She was America’s first female Secretary of State.

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” ― Malala Yousafzai (1997- ), Pakistani female education activist, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. At the age of 15, she was shot by the Taliban for speaking about women’s right to education. She survived, but remains a target.