Woman’s History Month

Hello, everybody, it’s me again, and since the month of this post’s writing is March, which is Women’s History Month, I’ll be writing about two women whom I believe are worthy of admiration and respect.

1. Annie Oakley, Legendary Sharpshooter

Nicknamed “Little Sure Shot” by close friend Lakota leader Sitting Bull, Annie Oakley, born Phoebe Ann Moses, was a world-renowned champion markswoman with humble beginnings. She began her career as a professional shooter at age fifteen and performed before dignitaries and royalty, a notable example being Queen Victoria of England.

I first discovered Annie Oakley a few years ago through the  Historical American Biographies series, with Oakley’s biography titled Annie Oakley: Legendary Sharpshooter and written by Jean Flynn. I thoroughly enjoyed this biography, and it increased my love of historical fiction literature.

I believe Oakley deserves to be remembered this Woman’s History Month not only because of her extraordinary shooting ability but also for her humility, charity to the poor, particularly to young children, and quiet confidence.

Read more about Annie Oakley at the following websites: https://centerofthewest.org/explore/buffalo-bill/research/annie-oakley/, https://www.annieoakleycenterfoundation.com/faq.html

2.  Helen Keller

Perhaps the most famous person with deafness and blindness of all time, Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, at Ivy Green. Although born healthy, Keller contracted an unknown illness, commonly thought to be rubella or scarlet fever, that rendered her deaf and blind.  

Through the help of teacher and long-time friend and companion Anne Sullivan, Helen was able to learn the alphabet, both manual and in raised print for blind readers. She also became very successful at reading and writing and even eventually learned to speak.

Throughout her life, Helen Keller achieved many feats, such as being friends with a good number of the famous people of her time, Alexander Graham Bell and Mark Twain among the group. She was also an excellent writer who penned several published works, including her own autobiography, titled The Story of My Life. But, by far, what people should arguably know the most about Keller is her tireless advocacy for those with vision loss. 

Read more about Helen Keller at the following websites:

https://afb.org/about-afb/history/helen-keller/biography-and-chronology/biography#meeting

https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/helen-keller

I hope you enjoyed reading this article! – Peace F.