She Persisted! She Persisted! Even Though She Had Major Hurdles to Overcome

A TRIBUTE SONG FOR CHELSEA CLINTON’S CHILDREN’S BOOK ‘SHE PERSISTED’ By Karen Sokolof Javitch

There’s Maria Tallchief, native American ballerina, and politician Margaret Chase Smith - the first woman elected to the House and Senate. Oh, how they both persisted!

Woman astronaut Sally Ride – she went where no other woman went. She went to outer space! She was fearless! Just like runner Florence Griffith Joyner - Flo-Jo - the fastest woman! And don’t forget Helen Keller. She was deaf and blind but that didn’t stop her from learning and helping others. She showed the world she could do anything despite her many challenges. She persisted! She persisted! Even though she had major hurdles to overcome. Persisted! She persisted! She stood proud and inspired everyone! She persisted! She persisted! We’re in awe of their determination. Woman Supreme Court Justice - Sonia Sotomayor & Oprah Winfrey – oh, the one & only Oprah - they both struggled & fought prejudice & never gave up fighting for women! Claudette Colvin, only 15, she was arrested because she wouldn’t give up her seat on a bus. Just like Rosa Parks, she wouldn’t back down, and we are grateful. A long time ago, Ruby Bridges was the first black child to go to an all-white school. She was 6 and no one else was allowed in her class so she was the only student. They persisted! They persisted! They stood up for what they knew was right. They persisted! They persisted! They changed the world with all their might! They persisted! They persisted! We’re in awe of their determination. In the 1800’s, Harriet Tubman was so very brave. She rescued slaves through the underground railroad. An African - American hero who fought to end all slavery! And journalist Nellie Bly – a strong and independent woman - who struggled to make her voice heard. Just like Clara Lemlich - an immigrant who fought for women’s rights! And last, but not least, we all know this woman who fought for us – she’s Hillary - Hillary Clinton, first lady and U.S. Senator who was the first woman to get the nomination for president of the United States. She fought so hard and almost won her place and she stood strong and we admire her because she had determination!

She persisted! She persisted! She broke the barriers to be the nominee! Persisted! She persisted! She paved the way for a woman - eventually! Persisted! She persisted! And they all showed us we can do anything!