Real Guys Tell: Women Who Inspire Men

March is the time to Celebrate National Women’s History Month

-Justin DeMarco

I had no idea March was reserved for National Women’s History Month. To be honest, I didn’t even know women had a month dedicated to celebrating their achievements. The only month I knew about that was set aside to honor a specific race, religion, culture, or people was February – Black History Month.

Read Top 5 Mavericks Of Pop Culture

It turns out there’s Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and Older Americans Month in May. In June, it’s time to celebrate Gay and Lesbian Pride, as well as Caribbean American Heritage. And then there’s Hispanic Heritage Month, which actually spans two months. It starts on September 15th and ends on October 15th. Rounding out the calendar year, National Disability Employment Awareness Month begins in October and National American Indian Heritage Month starts in November.

In honor of National Women’s History Month, I thought about the women who have had a profound impact on my life. The first person I thought of was my mom, who loves me from the moon and back, as she always says. Then my sister, my two grandmas, high school teachers, college professors, female friends, bosses, and co-workers came to mind. I became overwhelmed with how many women have helped shape the man I’ve become.

So, this month, as an effort to show our appreciation, us guys have decided to give credit where credit is due by highlighting some of the most influential and inspiring women of our time.

THE POWER WOMAN

All I need to say is, R-E-S-P-E-C-T, and you know exactly who I’m talking about. As the first woman to ever be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Aretha Franklin is an icon.

“Just the soul she put into her vocals could transcend gender lines and make anyone listening feel her,” Drew, a 23-year-old music lover from New York, said.

The Queen of Soul is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of all-time and has earned the respect of millions, including President Barack Obama, as she was the only featured singer at the 2009 presidential inauguration.