The One Brown Girl Challenge

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The One Brown Girl Challenge

Posted by Unknown

Monday, October 24, 2011

Trust me when I tell you that it has not been lost on me that three women from culturally diverse backgrounds recently won the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, one of five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel. [Wiki] *Screaming (internally) GO BROWN GIRLS GO!* #whatanhonor

The Nobel Peace Prize 2011 was awarded jointly to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman "for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work". [Emphasis added; Source NobelPrize.org.] What a legacy they will leave.

President of Liberia & 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Peace Activist & 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner
Leymah Roberta Gwobee

Journalist, Politican, Human Rights Activist & 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Winner
توكل كرمان ‎ Tawakkul Karmān

Inspired by their work and the recognition of their work, I'd like to challenge you (and myself naturally) to consider what kind of legacy you want to leave. To consider what mark you want to make on the world (whether grand, medium grand or a little grand) and then to get to work once you figure it all out. I challenge you to open your mind and heart to every little thing that ~~might~~ will inspire you to aim high and make a dent. I promise to do the same.

I don't think any of these women aspired to win a Nobel Peace Prize or sought out any type of recognition (except for their respective causes) and I don't think we should either. I simply think they poured their hearts into what they believe in no matter the cost. And I believe that we should all do the same.

What will be your legacy?

4 comments:

Aqueelah on: October 24, 2011 at 3:21 PM said...: My heart jumped up and down when I heard of these three ladies' accomplishments. I want to leave a legacy of caring, especially to the Down Syndrome community, of which my grandbaby is a member. I have always wanted to write a childrens' book and was surprised to read your intent to do so, too. Carry on, brown girl.
Zoe on: October 24, 2011 at 7:01 PM said...: Coolest thing about the Noble Peace Prize winners is I've met and know 2/3 of them personally. Makes me proud to be Liberian! Just hoping for safe election results in Liberia.
Unknown on: October 25, 2011 at 10:17 AM said...: That's an awesome legacy to leave behind, Aqueelah. =) And of course because you're a part of the OBG Facebook tribe you know what I'm going to say about what you've "always wanted" to do. Just do it. ;-)
Unknown on: October 25, 2011 at 10:18 AM said...: Zoe, Wow! That's great! I respect their work and their commitment. Really I do. I hope for peaceful elections as well.