HERSTORY MONTHLY
The Objective of This Inquiry
This project is my way of paying closer attention to how women appear in the historical record, and how often they are pushed to the margins or left out entirely. I’m interested in who gets remembered, who doesn’t, and what those choices say about power, memory, and the stories we learn. By pairing traditional history with modern examples and current events, I’m trying to build a more honest, layered picture of the past and the present.
Selected Monthly Features & Historical Research
Enheduanna
Enheduanna was a high priestess in ancient Mesopotamia and the first known author in history whose name has survived, using poetry and hymns to influence religion, politics, and cultural unity over 4,000 years ago. Her emotionally personal writing challenges male-centered views of ancient history and shows that women were powerful leaders and creative voices in early civilizations.
Claudette Colvin
Claudette Colvin was a 15-year-old who refused to give up her bus seat months before Rosa Parks, enduring arrest and backlash while helping spark resistance to segregation. Though overlooked due to age and public perception, her courage and role in the Browder v. Gayle case were crucial to ending bus segregation and show how change is driven by many unrecognized individuals.
Tarana Burke
Tarana Burke began the “Me Too” movement in 2006 as a grassroots effort to support and empower survivors of abuse, especially those from marginalized communities, long before it gained global attention online. Her work emphasizes healing, community, and inclusivity, showing that major social movements are built over time by dedicated activists, not just viral moments or celebrities.
About the Author
Alana Carpio is a high school student whose academic pursuits are driven by a profound interest in historical documentation. With a focus on the narratives of women frequently omitted from traditional curricula, she utilizes this platform as a systematic medium for exploring and categorizing archival records. Her work reflects a commitment to sharing these overlooked stories through a disciplined, student-academic lens, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of our collective memory.