A Girl with a Book: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

When I learned of the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, I was heartbroken. My grief took me by surprise. That I could shed tears for a woman I had never met and feel the loss of her life so acutely was startling. However, that was how big her presence was, and how far her legacy reached. She paved the way for women who will only ever read her name in history books, who will just see a list of accomplishments. I feel this loss because I was lucky enough to live during the rise of the notorious RBG. When my neighbor came outside at 9pm on September 18, 2020 to tell us the news she said simply, “Ruth died,” and we all knew what she meant. 

I called my mother and cried with her, comforted her as she sobbed. We were both so sad and so scared. The unfortunate truth of her passing is that her death brings with it a certain amount of despair and fear. As long as she lived she protected us. In the same breath that they praise her accomplishments, certain lawmakers have attempted to capitalize on her death. They can barely pretend to muster some respect before retreating back into their shell and spewing ominous threats at the liberals, women, and American public who benefit from greater equality (in case it’s not clear I’m referring to all people. Everyone benefits from greater equality).

My father called the next morning and told me that I should launch my blog, that day, that very moment. I agreed, but I couldn’t publish until I had written this, and the words just wouldn’t come. I lay awake that night looking at the poster I have in my room, one of RBG with the words “Never Underestimate the Power of a Girl with a Book”, and felt resolve in my decision to take their leap of faith. Any residual self-doubts were erased. I had to do this. I wanted to celebrate exactly what that poster says. That one girl with a book and a heart and a mind could change the world. Ruth did, and maybe I could too. Maybe I could find other girls, other people, who would want to grab their books and change the world with me. 

Thank you, Ruth, for setting an example, for continuing to fight when you were the only one still going. You never gave up on us, and we’re going to earn every ounce of that belief. Rest in Power Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the notorious RBG. Your fight is over, we’ll take it from here.