Celebrating The Women Leading In Real-time
Welcome to March, the International Women’s History Month, the beginning of my new series, “The Torch-Bearers of today.” Last month, we spent four weeks looking backward at the Giants that built our foundation. We honored the lawyers, the writers, the organizers, and the scientists that cleared the path. But history isn’t just something we study; it’s something we are actively making.
This week, I want to introduce you to four women that are presently carrying the torch. They are the “descendants” of the Giants we discussed in February, and they are redefining what it means to lead in the 21st century. Please bear with me and stay tuned.
1. The Legal Torch-Bearer: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
If Thurgood Marshall built the blueprint, Justice Jackson is now presiding over the house. As the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, she is more than a symbol; she is a brilliant jurist whose presence ensures the “equal justice” promised in our Constitution is viewed through a wider lens. She is the living proof the courtroom struggle of the 1950s was not in vain.
2. The Truth-Teller: Nikole Hannah-Jones
Carrying the investigative spirit of Ida B. Wells, Nikole Hannah-Jones has used her pen to shift the American narrative. Through The 1619 Project, she hasn’t just reported on history — she has reframed it. She reminds us that whoever tells the story holds the power, and she is reclaiming that power for all of us.
3. The Tech Visionary: Dr. Timnit Gebru
The “Modern Pioneers” of February gave us the internet and GPS; Dr. Timnit Gebru is making sure the technology is actually safe for us. As a leader in AI ethics, she is fighting to ensure Artificial Intelligence doesn’t automate the biases of the past. She is the guardian of our digital future.
4. The Grassroots Strategist: Tamika Mallory
Following in the footsteps of Ella Baker, Tamika Mallory understands that power is built from the ground up. As a co-founder of the Women’s March and a leading voice in social justice, she uses her platform to turn moments into movements. She has shown the spirit of the “Quiet Disruptors” is now louder and more global than ever before.
Why They Matter Now
These women are not waiting for history to happen — they are compelling it to move. They remind me that standing on someone’s shoulders is a call to action. It’s not enough to just be “in the room”; we have to be willing to rearrange the furniture.
As we begin this new month, look over your own field. Who are the women carrying the torch in your industry? In the comments, tag a “Torch-Bearer” that inspires you to keep reaching.
May God help us and shower us all with both His blessings and the things that make life sweet.
Please stay connected with us at chrisokeynnokwam.com so you won’t miss the next deep dive!
About the Author
Chris is a fiction writer and the creator of the Moral Observer brand. Known for his ability to weave complex ethical dilemmas into gripping narratives, Chris explores the intersection of power, justice, and the human condition across multiple genres. From the high-stakes tension of crime thrillers like ‘Shadow of Justice‘ and ‘Brookhaven Rising‘ to the expansive world-building of ‘The Mystical Land of Zenia‘ and ‘The Verdant Realm of Gissett,’ his work challenges readers to look beyond the surface. As “The Moral Observer,” he provides a unique lens on the “Moral Calculus” that defines our choices, both in fiction and in reality.
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