Essence: 40 Fierce and Fabulous

Well, well, well... Essence has made such a wise decision by dedicating the 40th Anniversary, September issue to "40 Fierce and Fabulous Women Who Are Changing The World".  I am blessed to be a part of a generation where women have endless opportunities and rights to embrace the world and leave their ultimate mark in history. This was not always the case. Because of this, I always feel compelled to take advantages of every opportunity I have to make a difference and change the lives of someone else. Do you really know how far you can go in life if you don't take chances and face challenges? The obvious answer is NO! Whether you are a female or male reader, I encourage you to find at least one way to make an impact in the community before the end of September.                               

40 Fierce & Fabulous Rollcall

1. Ntozake Shange: Author
2. Vanessa L. Williams: Actress, Singer
3. Faith Ringgold: Visual Artist, Writer
4. Erica Campbell: Gospel Singer (Mary Mary)
5. Tina Campbell: Gospel Singer (Mary Mary)
6. Maya Angelou: Author, Poet, Activist, Actress, Dancer, Singer
7. Judith Jamison: Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
8. Michelle Obama: First Lady
9. Oprah Winfrey: Media Mogul, Philanthropist
10. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf: President of the Republic of Liberia
11. Serena Williams: Tennis Champion
12. Candace Parker: WNBA Forward
13. Iman: Supermodel
14. Naomi Campbell: Supermodel
15. Liya Kebede: Supermodel
16. Chanel Iman: Supermodel
17. Mary J. Blige: Singer, Actress
18. Beyonce: Singer, Actress, Designer
19. Queen Latifah: Actress, Singer, Spokesmodel, Producer
20. Mo'Nique: Actress, Comedienne, Talk Show Host
21. Viola Davis: Actress
22. Wendy Williams: Talk Show Host, Author
23. Laysha Ward: President of Community Relations and Target Foundation
24. Esi Eggleston Bracey: VP & General Manager, Global Cosmetics
25. Mellody Hobson: President of Ariel Investments
26. Dr. Ruth Simmons: President, Brown University
27. Beverly Daniel Tatum: President, Spelman College
28. Valerie Jarrett: Sr Advisor & Asst to President for Intergovernmental Relations & Public Engagement
29. Melody Barnes: Domestic Policy Advisor at White House
30. Lisa P. Jackson: Environmental Protection Agency administrator
31. Susan Rice: U.S. Ambasssador for the United Nations
32. Beverly Bond: DJ and founder, Black Girls Rock
33. Olufunmilayo Falusi Olopade: Medical Oncologist
34. Susan L. Taylor: Author, Motivational Speaker, Former Editor in chief of ESSENCE
35. Alicia Keys: Singer, Actress
36. Roslyn Brock: Chairman of the board, NAACP
37. Dr. Wafaa El-Sadr: Infectious Disease Specialist
38. Sheryl Lee Ralph: Actress, HIV Activist
39. Stephanie D. Wilson: NASA Astronaut
40. Cicely Tyson: Actress

Know your history. You can start by learning more about the women above and the impact they've made. Have any of these women made an impact on your life? What other women have impacted your life? Sister, Mother, Friends...please share