You'd probably think that it's the most obvious thing in the world, but it's a fact worth repeating. Little girls become women. The types of role models they see as powerful, important, and impressive figures around them and in public positions are often the same examples that they strive to be just like. So it's important to remind our kids of women's history, with its long list of smart, beautiful, female role models.
The Fairy Tale Dimension
So many of the portrayals and costumes for women and little girls involve some variation on the fairy-tale or movie-character themes. There's the princess, the evil queen, or some other cutesy figure from the big screen or a favorite TV show. While there's nothing really wrong with dressing up as a favorite or villainous character, there's the reality that little girls need better role models. They need to see what they can be and become, and the powerful women from current and past history embody the perfect examples of what we want our kids to strive toward.
Representing Black History Heroines
To teach her Kindergarten-aged daughter, Lola, more about Black History Month, Cristi Jones began dressing her daughter up as famous female historical figures, and she posted a new photo for every day in the month of February. Over the course of the 28 days, Lola was transformed into important women like Nina Simone, Misty Copeland, Maya Angelou, Bessie Coleman, Ida B. Wells, Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. Mae Jemison, Sojourner Truth, Shirley Chisholm, Rosa Parks, Josephine Baker, Daisy Bates, Angela Davis, Harriet Tubman, Nikki Giovanni, Ruby Bridges, Katherine Johnson, Madam CJ Walker, Ella Baker, Toni Morrison, and Zora Neale Hurston. It's a powerful and unforgettable lesson for Lola, but it's also an important reminder for all of us. How much do you know about the women listed here? Perhaps it's time to revisit the stories of their lives and legacies.
Revisiting The History Of Inspiring Women
Photographer Marc Bushelle took on a similar project with his daughter, Lilly, but his approach was a bit broader and all-encompassing. Here, he captures his daughter embodying Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theater soloist, and a dance prodigy. Believe it or not, she was also only the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer out of the 75-year history. As if that wasn't already impressive enough, she's also a sought-after speaker and renowned writer, who was also listed as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.
Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison
Marc Bushelle didn't stop when he began working with his daughter, Lilly, to take on the photographic personae of women like Misty Copeland. And, really, there are few role models who are more worthy of every possible recognition and respect as Toni Morrison. After all, she's a Nobel-Prize winning writer and editor. She's also a teacher and has even been made Professor Emeritus at Princeton University. She is one of the most inspiring female role models of our time, and she was even awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by former President Barack Obama. Who wouldn't want to take on the part of Toni Morrison, even if it's just for a photo shoot? She's brilliant.
Uncomparable Malala
Photographer Marc Bushelle also stepped out onto the national stage and worked with his daughter to portray important women from around the world. Of course, as we search for and seek to bring to the forefront women who are inspiring and unforgettable, Malala is always one of the first names we think of. Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist, who first became a voice with a blog she wrote under a pseudonym when she was 11. She was then featured in a documentary, began speaking and giving interviews and was nominated for the International Children's Peace Prize. All of the publicity surrounding her advocacy made her a target of an assassination attempt by a Taliban gunman, but she survived and has since become an even more powerful voice for female education and human rights advocacy. She is also the youngest person to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Then again, Malala is also the perfect young woman to emulate. As a parent, Bushelle seemed to want his daughter to be brave, and to stand up for human rights.
Wow Grace Jones
And, here's another international phenomenon. Grace Jones is known as an indomitable woman. She's a singer, songwriter, supermodel, record producer, and actress. Since she arrived in the US from Jamaica at age 13, she's done it all, from her appearance on a James Bond film, A View to Kill, to her appearance on Conan the Destroyer with Arnold Schwarzenegger. She also appears on the VH1's list: 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll. She's also listed as one of the most successful dance artist of all time by Billboard magazine. Perhaps most important of all, though, her life and body of work have also influenced some of the other great figures of our time. It's no wonder that Marc Bushelle wanted his daughter to take on the photographic role of Grace Jones.
The Sky's No Longer The Limit
So many little boys say that they want to be astronauts when they grow up, but how many little girls have you heard with a wish like that? As Marc Bushelle captured the historic possibilities for his daughter's impersonations, you can see how excited she is with her helmet and flight suit. She is perfectly comfortable in this role, as Mae Jemison, who is quite an amazing woman. She's an engineer, physician, and NASA astronaut. But, she was also the first African-American woman to travel in space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Perhaps this photo and the others in these epic impersonation photo shoots will inspire little girls to really imagine the endless possibilities. After all, if the sky is no longer a limiting factor, and space is just out there waiting for them to take on the challenge, imagine what could be accomplished.
Inspired By Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun, who was also canonized and became known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. She was a controversial figure during her lifetime, as she was both praised and criticized for the form and substance of her charitable work for the poorest of the poor. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Ronald Reagan, she and her fellow sisters were symbols of hope, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan said that she was "a rare and unique individual who lived long for higher purposes." For her dedication to protecting the poor, sick and downtrodden, Mother Teresa has become internationally renowned. She even was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ground-Breaking Admiral Michelle J. Howard
Admiral J. Howard was another female hero that Marc Bushelle wanted his daughter to learn about, and also to become. She's got an impressive story, beating the odds and rising through the ranks to become the first female four-star admiral in the US Navy. She's also the highest-ranking black woman in the military. She's currently the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe, but her list of achievements and first-time-ever historical accomplishments puts her in a super-heroine role all of her own, amidst the others who've achieve fame, fortune, Nobel prizes, and recognition for their bravery and courage against all odds.
To Sing Like Nina Simone
If you could wish a life and legacy on your child, would you chose Nina Simone? She had a angelic, even heavenly voice. She was an American activist who was also a singer-songwriter, and pianist. She'd already changed her name to protect herself from those who thought poorly of her need to write and perform "devil's music." She also fought breast cancer toward the end of her life. She eventually passed away in her sleep at her home in France, but her life and legacy continues, evolving and growing in influence for every generation.
Then There's Queen Latifa
Queen Latifa often presents herself as an all-encompassing force of nature, the "Queen of Jazz-Rap," so it's no surprise that Lilly emulates her here. Queen Latifa is a famous singer-songwriter, rapper, actress, and model, but she's also a producer and talk-show host. She's also a pioneering feminist, with awards and recognition that includes a Grammy and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. That's not all, though. She's also earned an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two NAACP Image Awards.
Bessie Coleman Flies Again
As you can see by the photo that Marc Bushelle took, Bessie Coleman was the first African American and the first Native American civil aviator. She also held an international pilot license, and she performed in air shows in the US until her death in an aerial accident at the age of 34. She famously said, "The air is the only place free from prejudices. I knew we had no aviators, neither men nor women, and I knew the Race needed to be represented along this most important line, so I thought it my duty to risk my life to learn aviation."
A Cure For The Waiting
Ashley Larson started her photoshoot for completely different reasons. As she explains, "The project all started when Scout2019s grandma, her Nonnie, was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were looking for a way to keep our minds busy during a really hard time." So, she and her daughter, Scout, put together a list of famous and noteworthy women figures, and they planned the whole thing out. They chose characters that they knew Nonnie loved, but also threw in a bunch of historical women (and girl) figures beloved by Scout, like Moana. The idea was simple, but the way they actually pulled it off was unforgettable, both as a process and the end product.
Inspired By Frida Kahlo
Frida Kahlo is another inspiring woman who appeared on Scout's list. She is now regarded as one of the greatest artists of her time, and her personal and professional stories are inspiring. She was in a constant state of pain after a serious bus accident, but she refused to allow her personal situation to stall her own artistic vision, once stating "I don't paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my own reality". She overcame all obstacles, challenged the status quo, and continues to inform artists even today. She's the perfect addition to the Nonna project.
Becoming Princess Leia
When Carrie Fisher took on the role of Princess Leia, she was a young teenager, still innocent enough to make the role one of the most epic characters in film history. The fame meant that she would never be the same, leading her down roads toward destruction. All the time, though, Carrie Fisher was the role model, activist and all-around revolutionary that she so famously portrayed in Star Wars 2013 all while maintaining a sense of humor. She embodied, and still represents, the warrior princess that every little girl wants to grow up to be just like.
A Little Like Taylor Swift
While the fact that it's the dream of most little girls to be just like their favorite pop star, Taylor Swift, the star also continued to show her bravery and gumption. So, if there wasn't already reason enough before, her fans love her even more now. Taylor Swift is great at writing, singing and saying inspiring lines likes these: "Be that strong girl that everyone knew would make it through the worst, be that fearless girl, the one who would dare to do anything, be that independent girl who didn't need a man; be that girl who never backed down."
Scout Becomes Emma Watson
As an addendum to the look at Taylor Swift, this choice is obvious as well. After all, since J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series first hit the bookstores and the big screen, everyone has loved Hermione Granger. And Emma Watson was the young girl who played the part of Hermione, so you watched her grow up over the course of the movie series. Now that the Harry Potter series has culminated, Watson has moved onto other things, most notably as a feminist activist, women's rights advocate, and speaker. She's just the person that a little girl could look up to, but she's also a woman that Scout's mom would be proud to encourage her daughter to love (and emulate).
Here's Ellen
Ellen is the perfect addition to Scout's list. After all, laughter is the best medicine. It gets you through the most difficult situations, and makes us realize that there's really hope and that it will all turn out ok. She's a comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer. She has interviewed some of the most famous and controversial figures in current history. Along the way, she has won 30 Emmys, 20 People's Choice Awards, and she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 by former President Barack Obama. That's quite of list of accomplishments!
The Vivacious Betty White
The perfect pairing with Ellen is Betty White. While Scout probably doesn't remember Golden Girls, she's probably seen some of the roles that Betty White has taken on since. She's a vivacious, smart, beautiful and completely unstoppable woman. Any mother would be proud to have their child look up to Betty White. While this may have been a pick that was more targeted toward Nonna's love of Betty White, with all her wit and wisdom, it would be awesome to think that Betty White is on every list of strong and charismatic women. She encourages us all to love, laugh, and live life to the fullest.
Scout's Search For Happiness In Moana
More than most other figures on Scout's list for the photo shoot with her mom, Moana represents a strong young woman, who is really willing to do anything to protect the people she loves. She crosses the ocean, puts herself in terrible danger, and is able to overcome all the obstacles that rise in her wake.
Ultimately, Scout wanted to do anything she could to help her Nonna. With her mom's help, and her own acts of becoming these famous female figures, she learned a lot along the way. Perhaps the song says it best: "There comes a day when you're gonna look around and realize happiness is where you are."
The First Black Women Elected To Congress
Lola Jones' mom decided the best way to teach her daughter about black history month was to dress her up like famous women of color who made a difference in the world. It only made sense that her mom, Cristi Jones, would include Shirley Chisholm in her choice of outfit creations. Chisholm was the first black women elected to Congress.
The author, political activist, and teacher would go on to represent New York's 12th Congressional District for seven terms from 1969 to 1983. Check out her books Unbought And Unbossed and The Good Fight to learn more about a woman who broke down barriers both for her race and gender. Also, doesn't little Lola look adorable in this re-created photo?
Standing Up For Equal Rights As Rosa Parks
We had to include another photo from Lola's collection because she portrays perhaps one of the most pivotal people involved in the civil right's movement here 2014 Rosa Parks.
From her conservative outfit that matches the decade to the flower in her hair and the glasses on her face, this little girl knocks the portrayal of such an iconic figure right out of the park. Here's to hoping that as she grows older, Lola manages to find her own female role models and mentors who guide her through life and help her achieve iconic status. We have to admit her mom is already setting this little girl up for success at only five years old.
Is That Adele Or Scout?
When we say Scout Larson has been preparing her entire life to play the role of famous singer Adele, we aren't off by too much. She may only be three years old but this adorable little girl knows how to strike a pose while winning over our hearts.
It's easy to look at re-created photos and raise a fuss about idolizing celebrities but Adele may very well have the strongest singing voice on the planet at the moment. Plus, this multi-platinum recording artist works on her own terms without anyone telling her how or when to do her job. Adele seems like a good role model for a three-year-old.
This Photographer Wanted To Empower Their Daughter
Austin photographer Jaime C. Moore wanted to celebrate her daughter Emma2019s fifth birthday in a creative and unique way. When she started looking for inspiration on the internet, every post seemed to suggest a Disney Princess costume. Moore thought such costumes presented little girls with an "unrealistic fantasy" so she set out to do something different.
Jaime soon settled on dressing her daughter up as some of the most famous women of all time, including, Amelia Earhart. 201cMy daughter wasn2019t born into royalty, but she was born into a country where she can now vote, become a doctor, a pilot, an astronaut, or even President if she wants and that2019s what REALLY matters,201d wrote Moore. 201cI wanted her to know the value of these amazing women who had gone against everything so she can now have everything.201d
You Get A Photo And You Get A Photo And You Get A Photo
Chauncia Boyd Rogers, like the other moms on our list, wanted to teach her daughter some valuable lessons about history and the strong women who have changed our society for the better. She decided the best way to accomplish this goal was to dress her daughter, Noelle, in outfits worn by famous influential women in American history.
Oprah Winfrey is no doubt one of the most powerful and wealthy people in the United States. The talk show hosts TV network and other entertainment holdings are worth billions of dollars and her ability to influence millions of people around the world can't be understated. This little cutie absolutely nailed her Oprah Winfrey photoshoot.
A Groundbreaking Nurse Celebrated By A Little Girl
\
Mary Eliza Mahoney deserves her spot in history. She was the first African-American to study and work as a professionally trained nurse in the United States. She managed to start her career in the early 1900s when racism kept most black people away from drinking fountains and restrooms.
In 1908, Mahoney used her formal training and education to co-found the National Association of Colored Nurses alongside Adah B. Thoms. Her grit and determination quickly paved the way for other women of color to join the ranks of the professional workforce. This is definitely the type of role model any young girl should be proud to name among their heroes.
She's Ready For Her Hollywood Close-Up
Meryl Streep has appeared in dozens of Hollywood's greatest film, has built a loyal fanbase, and commands the screen with every appearance she makes. It makes sense that a little girl who may be aspiring for stardom would take on this actresses aura in a highly celebrated photo. If Scout ever makes her way to Hollywood we hope she can land a role co-starring Meryl Streep, because this little three year old has the attitude and modeling chops to give it a go in tinsel town.
Streep is a powerful internationally renowned figure but our biggest complaint has been the lack of women inventors' costumes we've been able to find.
It's Not Always About Emulating, Sometimes It's About Inspiring To Be
Jaime realized her daughter shouldn't just look up to the women she was dressing up to emulate. She put Emma in a simple outfit with a Presidential pin that bears the girl's name and a promise to run in 2044. We love the quote that accompanies this photo: "Set aside the Barbie dolls and the Disney princesses for just a moment and let's show our girls the real women they can be."
Reminding our children that they can be just as well-known and respected as businesswoman, actresses, and more, is a good start. Encouraging them to head off on their own path, though, is what will ensure they take the reigns and guide themselves towards the future they want and deserve.
A Girl Can Be Who And What She Wants
We can't get enough of Jaime's work because it plays so well off the promise that little girls can grow up to be the women of their dreams if they work hard and never lose focus of who they are.
This time around Moore offers some advice from Coco Chanel, a rebel in her own right. "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different 2014 life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself 2014 A girl should be two things: Who and what she wants." Excellent words to live by and they are accompanied by this adorable -- and super classy -- photo.
Fanny Jackson Coppin
Fanny Jackson Coppin led a fascinating, but sometimes heartbreaking, life that may very well be the epitome of how a person can change with hard work and the right opportunities that are taken by the horns.
Coppin became an educator and missionary but her life started out very differently. This amazing African-American woman was born into slavery before her freedom was purchased when she was 12 years old. By 1860 she had enrolled in Oberlin College, and she earned her Bachelors degree in 1865. By 1869 she had become the country's first African-American woman to earn the title of School Principal. This is the exact type of role-model we can get behind for our children.