When finding out about someone who is so special but was never on my radar gives me pause. Especially when that person is on their own hero’s journey.

Why isn’t this amazing person more famous, why have I not heard of this person?

Someone with such profound work is not on every new station and talk show!?! And there’s a little shame too. You’ll know why soon.

Now my hope is you want to know, maybe your super impatient: who is this person, and do I know them? I hope so.

Enter Lucille Clifton

Today through the amazing Gena Davis Gender Equality Foundation (talk about being on your own hero’s journey), I heard about Lucille Clifton, my new hero.

There it is! Number one a woman, and non-white.

This is my opinion, now I know why I never heard of this talented profound poet. Oh, the shame, I don’t see myself as a person who is well-read, and I wish I was more so.

Lucille is an American poet known for her powerful and empowering verse and has had a profound influence on women through her poetry. Her works explored themes of womanhood, identity, and resilience, giving voice to the experiences and struggles of women in America. Clifton’s impact on women can be seen in various ways, including fostering a sense of empowerment, challenging societal norms, and inspiring a new generation of female poets.

Hearts & Minds

One of the most significant ways Lucille Clifton influenced women was by empowering them through her poetry. Her words spoke directly to the hearts and minds of women, addressing their joys, sorrows, and everyday experiences. Clifton celebrated the strength and resilience of women, emphasizing their inherent worth and power. In her poem “won’t you celebrate with me,” she proclaims, “come celebrate/with me that everyday/something has tried to kill me/and has failed.”

She knew intuitively we are all on our own hero’s journey. These lines encapsulate her ability to uplift women, reminding them of their resilience in the face of adversity. And the part that is most important I believe is that not much has changed.

Why is that? Why are women, women of color still struggling to find their place in the old USofA. My belief is there are not enough people like Lucille. She is a self-directed thinker! Our world has a serious lack of self-directed thinking going on.

Breaking Stereotypes

Clifton also challenged societal norms and expectations placed on women through her poetry. She rejected limiting stereotypes and instead celebrated the diversity and complexity of women’s experiences.

In her poem, and my favorite “homage to my hips,” Clifton unabashedly celebrates the beauty and strength of her body, stating, “these hips are big hips/ they need space to/ move around in.” By embracing her body and rejecting societal pressures to conform, she encouraged women to do the same, promoting self-acceptance and self-love. Something I covet and have strived for my entire life – oh how I would love to love my hips.

Lucille Clifton’s influence on women can be seen in her role as an inspiration to a new generation of female poets. And the positive influence continues to resonate as she has taken her own hero’s journey.

Her honesty, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to truth-telling paved the way for aspiring women poets to find their own voices. By fearlessly addressing topics such as sexuality, motherhood, and racial identity, Clifton broke barriers and expanded the possibilities for women in poetry. Her poetry provided a roadmap for other women to explore their own experiences, share their stories, and challenge the literary canon.

Her influence extended beyond her poetry. As a teacher and mentor, she nurtured and encouraged aspiring women writers, fostering a supportive community for female voices. Through her workshops and lectures, she championed the importance of women’s perspectives in literature and advocated for their inclusion in the literary canon.

Empowering Poetry

In conclusion, Lucille Clifton’s influence on women cannot be overstated. Through her empowering poetry, she celebrated the strength and resilience of women, challenging societal norms and inspiring a new generation of female poets. Her words continue to resonate with women, providing a sense of empowerment, self-acceptance, and validation. Lucille Clifton’s legacy as a trailblazing poet and advocate for women’s voices will continue to inspire and empower women for generations to come.

Her words continue to make a difference in my life and I believe Lucille’s own hero’s journey has made her a self-directed thinker.

This world is in desperate need of self-directed thinkers and here is your invitation to make the changes you desire and embark on your own hero’s journey. Just like Lucille Clifton, you can become the hero in your own life.

We show you how!

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Mahalo for your attention
I love you,
Davene Januszewski
Co-Creator Master Key Experience