When it comes to Women’s History Month, the hall of fame of great women — who have broken barriers and stood for justice and beauty — to commemorate is long, as it should be.
Over the years, we’ve had the great privilege of sitting by many of them, hearing their stories and asking for their wisdom to print in Darling. Reflecting on just a few of those conversations, this stroll through past magazines feels a little like what they would have written in our yearbook.
With that, we wish you a very happy International Women’s Day.
Kathy Bates
On the advice she always carries with her:
I’ve never forgotten this: ‘You need a head like a bullet and a heart like a baby.’ You have to be incredibly tough, but you have to keep your heart open, even though it is often very difficult. Ego is nothing but a wall.
Yasmine Al Massri
On feminism and motherhood:
Feminism is becoming such a hip word now. But we have to be really careful about using the word feminism because it’s being translated into too many things that are superficial. The word feminism should not be used to hate men, and being a strong woman is not being a man or competing with men.
I don’t see it as a war, because a man came out of my body, and I love men. If women are going to read this interview then that’s what I would say: Love men, because they come out of us and we teach them who to be. By loving them, by showing them how to love, we change things.
Andra Day
On personal conviction and potential:
I know that I was created for a specific path and purpose, and growing into that purpose is important to me. I try not to look into other people’s backyards and just try to be grateful for everything I have in each moment. What is for me is for me, and that helps to keep me from contorting myself into someone else’s idea of success. …
Always remember that you are valuable no matter what your past history or current circumstance. The gifts you have been equipped with can change people’s lives. Don’t be afraid of where they will take you.
Susan Stamberg
On storytelling and the future of radio:
That first thing we hear on birth — the mother’s voice — talking, lulling, cooing, teaching. It’s primal, that attachment to sound. And radio is a very intimate medium. You listen in bed or in the shower or the car. Radio — audio — becomes part of your life. I don’t think it’s going anyplace. The platforms that deliver it are changing, but the thing itself — that connection to the human voice telling stories — stays constant.
Joyce Lee
On timing and career:
I think it’s important to have a good work ethic — working hard and trying to learn as much as you can along the way always easy off. I think when you are passionate about what you do it’s easy to continue to grow in your career. I have always been determined and when I have something in my head, I can’t help but do my best to make things move in that direction. I’ve found that it’s great to set personal goals for yourself, and to take your time and allow things to happen naturally.
This is just a peek at what’s inside of our printed pages. Become a Darling subscriber HERE to immediately gain access to all of our digital versions, plus get our latest issue delivered right to your doorstep.
Feature Image via Melanie Acevedo for Darling Issue 19
