The person I most admire is Condoleezza Rice. When I first saw her on TV, she walked with an air of class and knowledge. President George W. Bush had nominated her to be the Secretary of State. Can you imagine that? A young Black woman as Secretary of State!
My smile was so big I think my teeth were bright with pride. Before the war in Iraq started, I watched her talk on TV about getting to the bottom of who was hiding weapons of mass destruction. At that moment, I thought that this woman was also brave. She had a doctorate in political science, and had been an outspoken professor. She impressed me.
I don’t think there has been anyone like her since. She was a shining example of someone who had beauty, brains and class. She broke a glass ceiling and caused everyone to admire her.
When a person looks up to someone, it is because that person is doing something good and worthwhile. When a person is first in their field, it fills others with pride. Women need persistent role models.
In my day, there were only a few women who held leadership jobs. This might sound funny but in my neighborhood, most of the women had jobs working as cooks or as daycare providers. None of them could ever imagine being the Secretary of State for the United States. While most had gotten past high school, few went to college.
For some reason though, Condoleezza was unique. We are the same age. When I first saw her get nominated to Secretary of State, I thought, “if only that was me.” She made me feel like I had a chance at something big. Or that people after me would have better opportunities for themselves.
President Joe Biden has been saying that he wants to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court. That is a lifetime appointment, and it would be the first time for a Black woman. Black women have long strived to improve this world we live in. They have not only raised children, but have also shaped our society.
It’s time a Black woman has a chance to do so on the nation’s highest court as well.
