It's Time For Me!

    




     The second annual Women’s Symposium sponsored by US Congresswoman Alma Adams was a huge success! Women comprise more than half of the population of Mecklenburg County and our nation yet we are still having to fight for equal representation, respect and rights. The symposium brought together a diverse group of women representing education, healthcare, business development, entrepreneurship; a range of women’s issues. I was there representing our local chapter of NOW of which I am the newly elected Vice President.

     Alma Adams set a record the moment she took the oath of office. For the first time in history, there were 100 women in Congress. Congresswoman Adams has a PhD in art education, but she is perhaps best known for her collection of hats which she wears in style.  Congresswoman Adams ran for Congress at the age of 68. When asked ‘Why run for Congress now?”, Congresswoman Adams replied, “I’ve worked all my life and I’ve served all my life, and I still felt as if I had a lot to offer. I had done 40 years as a college professor. It was time for me.”

     "Time for me." She wasn't talking about time to retire and sit in a rocking chair. She was talking about time for her to do something more to make the world a better place. Congresswoman Adams doesn’t just talk the talk, she walks the walk. She is an inspiration and role model for all of us. She is energetic and focused, yet warm and welcoming.  Women could be a powerful force, but we must stop making excuses and like Congresswoman Adams get in the game. We all need to say, “It is time for me.” It is time for women to speak up and be heard.  There is something that each one of us can do to change the direction and move women’s issues forward. As we work for women’s rights, we work for the common good.  Women’s rights are human rights and human rights are women’s rights.  It is imperative that we speak up and advocate for the positive change we hope to see in our neighborhoods and across the country. Thank you, Congresswoman Adams! We could not have a better representative in Congress!