Hooray for Women’s History Month, a time set aside to educate and inspire, to focus on under-told stories and triumphs. Prior to founding Force For Good, Jonathan Sprout featured many notable women in his Grammy®-nominated American Heroes series. With lively concerts of music, illuminating stories, and humor, Sprout entertained and empowered thousands of young people, many of whom have shared with him the positive impact they remember as children that’s still with them today. For Women’s History Month, enjoy a fun peek back at a few American Heroes celebrated in these songs: Elizabeth Blackwell (Doctor), Susan B. Anthony (Carry On) and Sacajawea.

More recently, Force For Good’s music video, Courage, featuring the song Courage from the music CD Passions, lifts up the brave and tenacious suffragettes who helped change history. Check out the short film, as well as these resources, too.

Recycle and Reach Out

Reduce, reuse, repair, recycle. The mantra’s tidy alliteration belies its grave relevance. While each of us can prioritize these lifestyle choices, still we must encourage our leaders to create change on a larger scale. Greenpeace notes that the upcoming UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA) gathering this month will consider a “bold, ambitious, binding Global Plastics Treaty—addressing the entire lifecycle of plastics.” The U.S., “which produces more plastic waste per capita than any country,” per Reuters, will join the talks. We can thank our representatives for their support. We can also request our representatives to support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021, introduced into the House and the Senate in 2021. Visit greenpeace.org for more information.

Before I met then-Bishop Tutu, I knew that I would be meeting a great man, but I didn’t know how lucky I was. I would never be the same. Recently, his passing hit me hard with a gut-punch of sadness. This was quickly followed by an impression of his smiling face. He was glowing with kindness and sending wise words into the air with exuberance.

It was 1984. The snowy Rocky Mountain destination and New Years timing added to my anticipation and excitement. Leaving UCLA behind, our little group joined other creative, inquisitive Episcopalian college students to immerse ourselves in whatever this once-in-a-decade national conference, “A Turning of Time,” presented. Tutu was the keynote speaker. He did not disappoint.

After an inspiring opening talk, Tutu led us in Morning Prayer each day. I was drawn to his brilliant presence: he emanated joy, profound strength and benevolence. I was raised to “be kind to all living things,” to love and respect others but I was still learning how the world works—good and bad. Now, via Tutu’s words and example, my universe expanded: a far away land was illuminated and our shared humanity celebrated.

Near the end of the conference, in one of the workshops, some of us created a simple dance to accompany The Lord’s Prayer. We were invited to share it so we taught it to the others and then led the gathering. We all felt the unity, as the group became one in prayer and graceful movement. Tutu enjoyed it and made mention of it in his closing remarks! A kinetic homage to our gathering, it was thrilling to give joy to one who had given me, and others, so much.

As we say goodbye to luminaries such as Nobel Prize laureate Desmond Tutu, trailblazing artists Betty White and Sidney Poitier, or a beloved politician or relative, we mourn them, sad for our great loss. At the same time, we can find awe at the magic they leave within us. Some luminaries truly are beacons that light the way for transformation. But each of us can shine our light. Peace and kindness are gifts we pass on to one another, moment by moment, in words and actions, as we practice grace and empathy in a turning of time that is too short not to do otherwise.

—Hillary Black, Editor