During the month of March most of the world celebrates Women’s History. March 8th is designated to be International Women’s day, and gives people time to reflect on the history of women. One way to observe impacts here at Berkley is to consider the influence of female figures. Throughout the month we have the privilege to celebrate the culture, successes, and political achievements led by amazing women around the world. Education is a female-dominated career, and According to Pew Research, 77% of teachers are women. Here at Berkley, our female staff is consisted of motivated, strong, and committed leaders.

Less than a third of school administrators in the U.S. are women, but here at Berkley, we have Mrs. Coleman as one of our Vice Principals. Mrs. Coleman has worked here since August of 2021. Not only is she one of the few women administrators in the Berkley School District, but she is the only administrator of color at BHS. Mrs. Coleman shares that being a woman is something to be proud of, especially during this celebratory month. While there is much to be joyful for as a woman, educating ourselves and others on the battles we still face is important for future change. Mrs. Coleman comments, “I do recognize that in some spaces, my presence can be polarizing, misinterpreted, and misunderstood.” Numerous times in the workplace and in the world Mrs. Coleman has encountered countless microaggressions against her race and gender. Through it all she has continued to choose to be in the lives of all the students here at Berkley. Though her differences among her colleagues are apparent, Mrs. Coleman shares that our BHS Principal Mr. Meloche, especially, celebrates and acknowledges her.
Mrs. Coleman surrounds herself with friends in many different professions spanning from lawyers to doctors. She comments, “My entire life has been centered around some of the dopest women in the world.” Including her mother and family, Mrs. Coleman is very grateful for the people who impacted her in such a positive way. Growing up in Detroit during the 90’s it “was a very black world” says Mrs. Coleman. Being able to be submerged in her culture and raised around powerful women impacted her character and who she currently presents herself to be. Because of the culture she was raised in, Mrs. Coleman has the gift of connecting with younger people who can see her as a role model. Outside of family, Diahann Carroll who was an actress, singer, model, and activist has been one of Mrs. Coleman role models. This country’s history surrounding the women of the black community has always been far from easy. Mrs. Coleman shares the quote by Zora Neale Hurston in Their Eyes Were Watching God:, “Black women are the mules to the world.” She continues to add how instead of “mules” we should use the word “muses” to encourage black women. This change in vocabulary reflects how much Mrs. Coleman cares for motivating people, especially black women to find value in themselves outside of history’s perspective. Working as a woman in this world, especially with a leadership role like Mrs. Coleman is influential and inspiring to many.

Another major influence here at Berkley is one of our U.S. History teachers and advisors of Sources Of Strength: Mrs. Sims has worked here since 2021 but has been in education for 19 years. Being a history teacher influences what Mrs. Sims centers some of her teaching around. For example, she purposely incorporates female impact into her teaching. When talking about working in a profession mainly run by women, Mrs. Sims shares, “A lot of times those in female-dominated operations are the professions that are underpaid.” Mrs. Sims also comments, “Sometimes when or if I’m passionate about something it is categorized or seen as emotional so people respect my ideas less.” She reflects by saying, “I’ve had to learn how to be authentically myself, but also be received well so I am taken seriously.” As a history teacher, Mrs. Sims reminds the younger generation of girls that, “the women filling history books are the women brave enough to be themselves.” Mrs. Sims gives credit to Mrs. Church who formally taught at BHS for not only being a friend but also a mentor. Mrs. Sims adds, “I ask myself ‘what would Mrs. Church do’ when I find myself in tricky situations.” It is good to learn about the troubles women face even with so much growth, but celebrating the achievements women have accomplished is something underdeveloped in our society.
As we continue to celebrate women, reflect on the women in all of our lives. How do they impact you? Maybe they are your teachers who take hours to serve us, or the lunch ladies who make sure you’re fed every day. They could be your relatives who provide big and small things for us. No matter who they are, make sure to take the time to let them know you appreciate them.