Today marks the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This day is geared towards helping us to understand the challenges people with disabilities face and to support their dignity, rights and well-being in our communities, workplaces, institutions of learning, etc. This year's theme is: “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, …
From Up There
Astronaut Ellen Ochoa became the first Hispanic woman to go into space when she travelled there aboard the space shuttle, Discovery. From there, she enjoyed the vista of earth. This was written for the Weekend Writing Prompt by Sammi Cox. For instructions, click Here. Sources: Britannica; Encyclopedia
A Different Direction
One day I got tired of writing mundane stories about film stars, politicians, writers and other famous people. I guess people would think I'm crazy. How could I be bored with such stuff, they would wonder. Well, believe it or not, I was. I wanted to do something different with my life. I have always …
Pit Toilets: Death Traps?
Many of us have more than one flushing toilets in our homes. We have access to proper sanitation facilities. When we use public washrooms, we can lock the doors of the stalls we use and when we're done, we have running water and soap to wash our hands. Sadly, this is not the case for …
The Unlikely Spy
There were other reasons, too. Seventy-five percent of Jews survived in France. And so many non-Jews risked their lives to save ours. Wasn't that our duty to defend our country too? It was our duty, absolutely - Marthe Cohn Born a French Jew in Metz, France on 13 April 1920, Marthe Hoffnung never once imagined …
The Path/Destination #writephoto
A path flanked by trees stretches out before me. I proceed cautiously because of the mist which unfurls like a ghost’s hand. It clears as I draw closer. That chases away the uneasiness in the pit of my stomach and my steps become bolder. When I reach the other side, I am greeted by the …
Women Astronomers
This painting of a young woman looking through a telescope is by Pietro Rotari, an Italian painter of the Baroque period. He was born in Verona. His career took him from place and he died in 1762 at the age of 55 in St Petersburg where he had traveled to paint for the Russian court. …
Following Her Passion
How do people react when they learn that she’s Senegal’s first female graffiti artist? Do they grimace because they believe that women shouldn’t paint or do they applaud her for following her passion? 33 Words This is based on Dieynaba Sidibe, Senegal's first female graffiti artist. Through her artistic expression, Dieynaba wanted to show …
Emily Wilson
Shy and accomplished in school, she comes from a long line of academics. Her works include The Death of Socrates and Six Tragedies of Seneca. She was interested in the ways and methods that Socrates used to educate people and his death as an image. Her interest in Seneca stemmed from the fact that, "he's …
Rebecca Lee Crumpler
She changed the face of medicine It was being raised by a kind aunt who spent much of her time caring for sick neighbors and her desire to relieve the suffering of others which led Rebecca Lee Crumpler down the a career path that would earn her the distinction of being the first African American …
Notes to Women 