White House Women: History in the Making

By Lauryn Brown, 6th Grade

Throughout history, women have fought for equality. We all still have a ways to go before the world has equality, but just recently we made a big step. I am talking about newly appointed Vice President Kamala Harris. She is now the highest ranking female political officer in history, and she is a woman of color. Prior to being Vice President, she dedicated her life to politics, most recently being the senator of California. Working alongside President Joe Biden, she is working to make this country a better place than it already is. There is another woman in the White House that is helping this country, the First Lady.

When you think of the First Lady, you probably think of the president's wife, But she is much more than a lady who lives in the White House. Some of the ones you might know are Eleanor Roosevelt, known for her work for civil rights and equality for women. Or maybe you know Michelle Obama, an author and American attorney. She was also the first African American First Lady. Another one that made a big contribution is Nancy Reagan. She started the Just Say No campaign which sparked the movement against drugs and alcohol abuse. Before that, she was the First Lady of California where she founded the program called Foster Grandparents. It is for seniors to help take care of and watch disabled children. First Ladies play an important role in our history and everyone should know about their contribution. They can represent the President at ceremonies, create social campaigns,and help with political causes too. Another thing you probably didn't know about First Ladies is that they don't always have to be the wives. Normally it is the wife, but it can also be the daughter or other female relative. One president even had their niece as their First Lady. Harriet Lane was the niece of James Buchanan, the only bachelor president yet. She is one of eleven First Ladies not married to the president. She worked for many social causes including improving the living conditions of Native Americans in reservations.

First Ladies are underappreciated, but they should not be. They work hard to help those who can not help themselves. I only mentioned a few here but everyone of them should get recognition because they are a key part in our history and our future. I don't know about you, but I don't know what the President would do without his First Lady. And someday soon, we may have a female President. I just know it.