Melissa Hortman, a significant figure in Minnesota politics, boldly confronted a group of white male lawmakers playing cards while her female colleagues were giving important speeches. Her remarks about the need for attention to women's issues resonated widely and sparked viral support. Tragically, after her recent assassination, colleagues remember her not just for her toughness and negotiation skills, but also for her warmth and humor. Her contributions helped push forward many of the Democrats' legislative priorities during a pivotal time, earning her the title of the most consequential speaker in state history from allies.
I hate to break up the 100 percent white male card game in the retiring room, but I think this is an important debate. It went viral.
I'm really tired of watching women of color, in particular, being ignored. So I'm not sorry.
Melissa won the day. I think you have to call bullshit when you see bullshit, Hortman said at the time.
She demonstrated how being a steely negotiator and showing toughness isn't in tension with being human and warm and likable.
Collection
[
|
...
]