It is hard to believe, just within nine weeks following the death of Congressman John Lewis, we have lost another social justice icon.  In the midst of continued daily assaults on the fragile fabric of our democratic ideals and aspirations, it is almost too much to bear.

Just one week ago, the world was shocked by the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG).  Although short in stature, she cast a long shadow, effectively shaping the legal framework affirming gender equality in our nation.  Her six cases that she argued before the Supreme Court in the early 70s were strategically selected, sometimes choosing men as plaintiffs:

• Reed v. Reed 404 U.S. 71: The Fourteenth Amendment was extended to include women
• Frontiero v. Richardson, 411 U.S. 677: Inequities noted in the housing allowances for the spouses of male v female service members.
• Moritz v. Commissioner 412 U.S. 906: Gender inequity related to caregiver benefits
• Weinberger v. Wiesenfeld  420 U.S. 636 : Inequities between widowers and widows related to survivor benefits
• Craig v. Boren 429 U.S. 190: Gender inequities in the state of Oklahoma in the drinking ages between men and women
• Duren v. Missouri 439 U.S. 357: Questioned the validity of making jury duty only voluntary for women

Mixed with my grief over her passing, I remain inspired by her life and legacy.  Her life reminds me about the power of policy and advocacy.  I remember as a child, hearing my parents discuss how the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would change the lives of their three daughters.  Although I did not quite understand the full impact of the conversation, I knew the world would change.  I understood as early as my childhood the importance of the Executive Branch and the Supreme Court in the lives of the voiceless.  Of course, as a child I thought the Federal government, forces outside of Louisiana, could hasten the pace of change.

Over the years, I began to witness how the pace of change could change based on the politics emanating from Washington.  If it could only be so simple to think that change could occur so by the stroke of a pen.  My jaded understanding of the workings of government makes me appreciate the principled positions of both Congressman John Lewis and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. 

The life of RBG reflects virtues of resiliency, courage, veracity, and persistence. Her professional career speaks volumes about the wisdom of strategic thinking, the power of policy, and the durability of the stroke of the pen.  It is also evident that the oppressed cannot accomplish goals advancing inclusivity and equity alone, and any movement needs an army of allies.  At the very least everyone of us has the privilege of voting, and it is our obligation to exercise it.

I remain inspired not only by her legal prowess but her spirit.  In her own words, “Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”  It is now up to the rest of us to lean into her legacy and continue to advocate for a more equitable society.