Lucy Burns

An important figure in women's rights once said, "Never underestimate the power of a woman." This quote symbolizes the power and action that women are capable for. When the idea of power comes to our minds we think of it as a masculine, strong act or quality, but we are wrong. Power is the ability to influence or direct the behavior of others. In my eyes I see a hero as someone who is willful and devotes their life to their beliefs. That is why I have chosen Lucy Burns as my hero. Lucy Burns is a courageous hero because she fought to defend the well being of others. Without a doubt Lucy Burns was a remarkable activist, but she did not begin her career protesting.

Lucy was born on April 20, 1879 in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents favored education and sent Lucy and her six siblings to receive the best education possible. After graduating Yale, Burns became a teacher for a short time and then decided to go back to school and study language. In England Lucy met an American suffragist named Alice Paul. This was the instance Lucy Burn's career as an unbelievable activist had begun. Lucy was not only an activist, but a leader to all women over America. Sadly she died on September 15, 1966, but she still continues to influence many women's lives. Lucy Burns's actions still affect us and her remarkable contribution towards women's rights will never be forgotten.

Lucy Burns in the Occoquah Workhouse Photographs from the Records of the National Women's Party / Harris Ewing, Washington, D.C. / [Public domain] via Wikimedia

It is no doubt that Lucy Burns represents the act of being willful. Burns possesses willfulness because she never lost hope or gave up in fighting for what she believed in. Even though she had faced brutal and unfair consequences for her actions, Burns still persistently fought for the right for women to vote. While imprisoned Burns received several beatings and force feedings during her sentence. Lucy Burns had spent more time in prison then any other women's activist at the time. Burns was ridiculed and yelled at because of her actions, but she stayed firm to her beliefs and ignored all the negativity. A true hero like Burns fights to the end and never ceases to fail. After all of Burn's hard work her dream had come true. She is a major reason why women have the right to vote in today's society. Her actions taught hope to all women across America at the time. This has taught me to stay true to who I am and to never give up when I am faced with the difficulties in life.

Also Lucy contains the virtue of courageousness. Burns whole career was an up hill battle, but she could always find the strength to carry on. Many people despised Lucy because of her bold actions, but Lucy never cowered away from her vow to fight for women's rights. Time after time Lucy was faced with many obstacles, but Lucy always overcame them. With Lucy's strong determination women were given the right to vote. Lucy had made a remarkable impact in women's rights that to this day still affects us. So I thank Lucy Burns for enabling me to have the right to vote.

Lucy Burns Library of Congress / [Public domain] via Wikimedia

Lastly, Lucy Burns posses all the qualities of a leader. At the time in society women were known for not being independent, but Lucy changed this. Lucy created her own trend of independent women. By Burns's actions she showed all women over America that women could be independent just like men are. She had chosen to lead and make a difference in the world than stand behind. Being a leader, Lucy influenced women to stand up for themselves and have a sense of power. Burns set an example for all women struggling to find a voice. Lucy gave women a voice and a place in America. Along with other women activists, Lucy had taken a stand and was willing to fight for their independence. America may have gained their independence in 1776, but women hadn't gained independence until the 1920's. Lucy was not afraid to lead by herself and did not have to depend on others help to do so. She made new trends instead of following them. Burns was her own person and was proud of this.

Overall Lucy Burns has taught me to be strong, and that I too have the power to make a difference in the world. Being a girl she has made a major impact in my life. All of her hard work has given me the right to vote as I grow up. I wish to be just Like Lucy one day and make a change. She is such an admirable person and has so many great qualities about her. Truly Lucy is a remarkable person that has changed history greatly. So I thank Lucy for standing up for her beliefs and showing me how to live a life of undying faith.