Written By Emileomo Longe (Grade 12)
Imagine standing at the crossroads of history, where fighting for justice collides with the struggle for identity. This was the reality of Pauli Murray, a fierce advocate who refused to be confined by the limitations placed on her as a black woman. Born in 1910, she navigated a world steeped in racism and sexism, breaking barriers and forging paths that many would follow. Her story is one of resilience and vision, influencing landmark legal cases and the very fabric of the civil rights and feminist movements. As I reflect on her incredible on her incredible journey, I cannot help but wonder; if I were to step into her shoes, how would I carry forward her legacy? What changes would I make to amplify her message and inspire a new generation to continue the fight for equality?
One of the most important things Murray did was fight for racial equality through the legal system. Back in the 1940s, she went to Howard University Law School, where she was the only woman in her class. She faced both racism and sexism, even from those who were supposed to be on the same side. She coined the term “Jane Crow” to describe the unique struggles black women faced, navigating both racial and gender discrimination. Murray’s legal work and ideas helped shape the arguments used in ‘Brown v. Board of Education’ the landmark case that ended segregation in public schools. Even though she was not always in the spotlight, her ideas helped make a big change in the fight for civil rights.
Murray did not just focus on race; she also fought hard for women’s rights. She was the first to point out that civil rights could not be separated from the fight for gender equality. In 1965, she co-wrote a paper that argued that the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law, could be used to challenge gender discrimination. This became a key part of the legal battles Ruth Bader Ginsburg and others would wage for women’s rights in the 1970s. Murray even helped start the National Organisation for Women (NOW), making sure that the fight for gender equality was a part of the broader movement for social justice.
Murray’s story also stands out because of how openly she wrestled questions about her identity. Long before terms like “non-binary” and “transgender” were common, Murray struggled with feeling like she did not fit into the categories society placed on her. She felt more like a man than a woman, but in her time, there were not ways to explore those feelings. Today, she is seen as a pioneer in the LGBTQ+ community, even if she did not have the language for it back then. Her life serves as a reminder that fighting for acceptance and understanding is not just about changing laws; it is about creating a world where everyone feels like they belong.
If I had the chance to be in Pauli Murray’s shoes, I would strive to keep her vision alive while making a few adjustments to adapt to today’s world. For one, I would make use of social media and other digital platforms to share her ideas with a larger audience. Back in her day, a lot of her influencing happened behind the scenes, influencing people who were more visible, like Thurgood Marshall. In recent days, with online platforms such as Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, there is a huge opportunity to directly reach young people and spread these ideas. By connecting with people online, I think it would be possible to build a new wave of awareness and activism, making sure that her insights on race, gender and, identity reach as many people as possible.
Another thing I would focus on is would be building stronger alliances among different groups fighting for change. Murray was both a champion for both racial justice and gender equality, but sometimes she found herself alone in her efforts because other activists did not always get the connections she was making. I f I were in her position today, I would work hard to bring together people from different backgrounds, like those fighting for equal rights for all identities, disability rights and economic justice. By uniting these different movements, I think it would be possible to make even more progress on the issues Murray cared about so deeply. It’s all about creating a sense of unity among people who are working for a better world.
One last thing I would focus on if I were in Pauli Murray’s shoes would be the importance of mental health. Murray faced a lot of challenges and pressures, and the dealt with feelings of isolation that took a toll on her well-being. Nowadays, there is more openness around mental health, and I think that would be a crucial part of sustaining the energy needed for long-term activism. By creating networks where activists can support each other emotionally, I think it would be possible to keep the fight for equality going without burning out.
Pauli Murray’s contributions to history are very huge, and her story shows that one person’s determination can change the world. She fought for a vision of society where everyone has a place, regardless of their race, gender, or identity. If I had the chance to step into her shoes, I would hope to honour her legacy by adapting her ideas for today’s challenges, using new tools to reach more people, and building even stronger movements for change. Ultimately, I would try to keep alive the spirit of hope and resilience that defined her life, believing that a better world is always worth fighting for.
Featured Image Courtesy – The Guardian
