As Women's History Month Continues....

Here are Two of My Favorite Women - Magi & Evonne

People sometimes wonder where I got my feminist fire. I come by it honestly. Both my mother, Magi, and mother-in-law (MIL), Evonne, lit matches to illuminate my path.

Both women ran for office in the 1970s. Magi ran for Mayor of Detroit. Evonne ran for San Diego City Council. Both women had concluded their “motherly duties” and wanted to make the world a better place. Both women knew that society needs women in higher office, if only to balance the scales.

Raging testosterone only gets us so far. Here we are in the year 2024, facing several ongoing wars, genocides, constant murders by gunfire, and the list goes on. These events seem to be in direct proportion to the untenable imbalance in our political system. We need more women, more diversity, less greed and profit-mongering.

Magi

Magi concentrated on fomenting peace, on creating a better world by eradicating sexism, racism and ageism. She was a member of the Raging Grannies, NOW (National Organization for Women) and the Gray Panthers. She put her money where her mouth was. She walked the talk.

Here’s a conversation she and I had after marching together in the 2004 March for Women’s Lives in Washington DC.

“Woke: Choice Words From My Mother” is a multi-award-winning short documentary.

Magi, I miss you every day.

Evonne

Evonne set her sights on improving education for all students.

Her run for San Diego City Council was blown up right before Election Day by religious zealots that published a hit piece about her, denigrating her for being pro-LGBTQ. It was devastating to all of us who knew she would have been a great City Council Woman.

After a period of grieving, she picked herself up, enjoyed many years in local politics as Special Assistant to a Mayor and a Congressman. She wrapped up her career as President of the College Board of Trustees for several years.

Thank You to the Trailblazers!

Patty Mooney plays bridge with card sharks Evonne and Magi (1991)

Thank you to the trailblazers in my life who shone their brilliant lights on me and showed me that there are so many things women can do to live remarkable lives. I’m living it, enjoying it, and working every day for a better world.