International Women’s Day celebrates women worldwide. IWD gear toward commemorating women’s economic, social, political, and cultural achievements and tackling issues faced by women.
Women have come a long way from centuries of inequality in society. Women have made strides since the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Movement to create an equalized society while paving the way for other women. We now see a high concentration of women leaders in the workforce, community activism, and entrepreneurship. The USA even had its first elected female Vice President, Kamala Harris, in 2020. However, we still have some ways to go, as women are dehumanized and violently victimized at an alarming rate.
This year’s 2023 Theme for International Women’s Day is #EmbraceEquity. IDW aims to raise awareness of impartiality while promoting equity.
In honor of IDW, the Exclusive Press (EP) wants to recognize the founders of Route 87, LLC, Courtney Banks-McLaughlin (39) and Tracey Morrison (40). Founded in April 2021, the social entertainment and event planning company gives its audience a highway-destined journey experience through community service and social entertainment. The business was envisioned three years ago, before the rise of the worldwide pandemic, in 2020. These ladies test the waters by hosting a few events in 2020 before going into full force with the business.
Courtesy of Tracey Morrison
Courtesy of Tracey Morrison
Some of the highlighted events of Route 87 hosted throughout Fayetteville are the 2021 Meet-N-Greek Social Party, Community Pool Party, Beauty Talk Women Empowerment Brunch, and the Art of Jazz Soiree.
Let’s journey into the ladies meaning of “Embrace Equity”
Tracey – My famous icons, Shirley Chisholm, Oprah Winfrey, Diahann Carrol, and Lena Horne, broke barriers in their respective fields. The versatility of my idols and supportive parents assured me I could do anything in this male-dominant world. Despite my success in corporate America, I had my share of adversaries from a few male clients who questioned my educational background and verbalized sexual innuendos at me. Still, I never allow that to dim my light. I thought of the cruelty and hardships women experienced in the workplace while rising in the ranks. I vocalize my views on women’s injustice and persevere during difficulties in this male-dominated society and culture. The accomplishments of leading women, from all life spectrums, during the dimension of times mobilized me to centerstage my talent on what I can do as a woman, support other talented women, and amplify my voice in promoting women’s equity.
Courtney – I was elected in 2019 to serve my first term on the Fayetteville City Council. That year, the Fayetteville city council made history by becoming a majority women’s council. However, like many women, I faced adversity as a candidate. News articles highlighted my age and number of children rather than my education and accomplishments. I thought about the decades of discrimination faced by women, attempting to put restrictions and barriers on our capabilities.
Politics is a male-dominant profession. However, in today’s society, the roles are changing. Women are becoming more visible yet striving even harder to receive the same opportunities as men. Women are resilient, tenacious, and the matriarch of our families and communities. We have proven why we deserve a seat at the table. Please join me in Embracing Equity.
Tracey and Courtney represent what many women have accomplished in society – culturally, socially, and economically. This day reassures humankind of the uniqueness of women from all life spectrums, that they are worthy as individuals and honoring their distinctiveness in their respective fields.
The progression women made for partiality is commendable that will make women before us, like Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, and Mary McLeod Bethune, who fought the good fight, proud. Let’s unite to commemorate this special day by embracing equity with a big hug.
For more information on International Women’s Day visit: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/