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Sunday, February 2, 2014

"A" women born in February

At the Imaginary Garden with Real Toads this weekend, Kerry spoke of three women, all class A writers, with birthdays in February. As it happens, all their names begin with A: Ayn Rand, Anaïs Nin, and Alice Walker.
For whatever reason, my reading life pretty much bypassed Anaïs Nin, but I remember reading Ayn Rand's "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged" when I was young and being very impressed. Since then, though, I have realized her philosophy doesn't match mine.
Alice Walker, however, is another story. She's about my age, but has accomplished marvellous things as a women's advocate, civil rights advocate, poet and author. If I grow up, I want to be just like her.
Photo from biography.com
She won the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for her novel The Color Purple, of course, and the movie based on the novel was nominated for 11 Academy Awards. But winning is not what Alice Walker is about. She is about writing, yes. However, she also about working to help make the world a better place.
I like that. In my own small way, I have tried to do that, but, according to her official biography "Walker has been an activist all of her adult life, and believes that learning to extend the range of our compassion is activity and work available to all. She is a staunch defender not only of human rights, but of the rights of all living beings. She is one of the world’s most prolific writers, yet tirelessly continues to travel the world to literally stand on the side of the poor, and the economically, spiritually and politically oppressed. She also stands, however, on the side of the revolutionaries, teachers and leaders who seek change and transformation of the world."
That is a philosophy I can understand.

the color purple
broke my heart
and made me proud of women.
the pulitzer prize
made me proud of Alice Walker.
a nobel prize for literature
might make the world
proud of her,
but she has much more
than prizes
and she is much more than those

Kay Davies, February 2, 2014                                                                         

18 comments:

Gillena Cox said...

I also chose Alice

Have a nice Sunday

Much love...

Maude Lynn said...

I admire her as much for her activism as for her writing. She makes me want to do more.

Grace said...

What a tribute to a brave woman Kay ~ Much love to you ~

Jackie McGuinness said...

I agree with you on all three authors.

Hannah said...

I'm very grateful for the background and the honorable words you present in light of this remarkable woman.

Susie Clevenger said...

So true Kay...I love Alice Walker

Sherry Blue Sky said...

I love her too, Kay. Love her Now Is the Time to Open Your Heart, and Anything We Love Can Be Saved. The Color Purple blew my mind back then and may have been what first sparked my love of Africa, in the scenes of her children there. I most loved her saying to her abusive husband, as she drove away "I may be ugly, but I'm still here" and "everything you did to me, be done to you." She is still an activist, still busy. She blogs at Alice Walker's Garden dot com

Unknown said...

a fitting tribute Kay

Jo said...

Alice Walker IS much more than all those! Thanks for sharing, Kay and good to be back on Blogger again. (((Hugs))) Jo

Margaret said...

…much more. So many people are so much more than their "15 minutes' of fame. Their was an attempt in NC to ban her book from a school district - but it was voted down.

I flipped over to her website that Sherry highlighted above. Just love these Birthday challenges - I learn so much.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
Wonderfully honoured!! YAM xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Kay--I was also very moved by The Color Purple -- I have not followed Ms. Waters' career so much, but I am sure she has been active and passionately so. Thanks. k.

Helen said...

Enjoyed your poetry, Kay ... and the notes preceding.

EG CameraGirl said...

An incredible woman!

Kerry O'Connor said...

When the world stands in awe of one person's accomplishments, it tends to shower the person with awards.. but they never define the soul of that individual. I think you said this so well in your piece.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
kaykuala said...

A wonderful tribute, Kay! It's just amazing to be involved in matters of the mind, as a writer and activist!
Nicely!

Hank

SquirrelQueen said...

A very talented group of women were born this month. I have read all three but like you I disagree with Ayn Rand's philosophy.

Alice Walker has long been a favorite of mine. She is a great lady who I much admire.

PS, Kay, I have a gorgeous gown all ready for Lindy. I would love to use the first photo on your sidebar as it is perfect. Please let me know. Thanks!