A storytelling platform that celebrates those who have shaped culture against seemingly impossible odds.

Tag: parenting

  • Exene Cervanka

    Exene Cervanka

    Exene Cervenka Day honors her mastery of words, poetry, and visual art, which challenge convention and amplify the voices of communities, individuality, and resistance.

    Xene Cervenka is the lead singer and co-writer of the iconic punk band X. She challenges societal norms and expectations and used her art to give voice to the disenfranchised and misunderstood.

    Her lyrics, poetry and visual art blend raw vulnerability with sharp social commentary, reflecting an unwavering commitment to truth and authenticity. Xene’s courage extends beyond music, inspiring generations of artists to embrace their unique identities and defy conventions, proving that real change starts with daring to be yourself.

  • Patti Smith

    Patti Smith

    Patti Smith, often called the “Godmother of Punk,” is an influential American singer, songwriter, poet, and visual artist known for blending rock and poetry in her groundbreaking debut album Horses (1975). Her work is celebrated for its raw intensity, intellectual depth, and countercultural spirit, which have inspired generations of artists. Beyond music, she is an acclaimed author, with memoirs like Just Kids reflecting her deeply personal and artistic path.

  • Kat Bjelland

    Kat Bjelland

    Kat Bjelland is a ferocious and uncompromising force in alternative rock, known for her role as the lead singer and guitarist of Babes in Toyland. With a guttural scream that could shake walls and a raw, visceral songwriting style, she carved a space for women in the male-dominated grunge and punk scenes of the 1990s. As a guitarist, Bjelland was admired by her peers for her explosive, unorthodox playing, which perfectly complemented her fiery stage presence and emotional intensity. Bjelland’s “kinderwhore” aesthetic—a blend of childlike dresses and feral intensity—challenged notions of femininity, weaponizing innocence as a tool of defiance. Her lyrics, often searing and deeply personal, explored themes of rage, vulnerability, and survival, resonating with those who felt unheard or marginalized. Kat’s unflinching authenticity and fearless artistry have cemented her as a pioneer who inspired countless women to pick up guitars and make their voices impossible to ignore.

  • Sinéad O’Connor

    Sinéad O’Connor

    Sinead O’Connor Day is a celebration of the fearless artistry, activism, and spirit of one of the most uncompromising voices in music history.

    Sinead’s hauntingly beautiful voice and searing honesty made her an icon who transcended genres and defied expectations. From her unforgettable rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” to her bold political statements, Sinead used her platform to shed light on injustice, challenge authority, and speak truth to power, often at great personal cost.

    Her willingness to confront issues such as child abuse, systemic oppression, and mental health inspired countless fans and artists alike, proving that courage is not just about breaking barriers but also about enduring with integrity.

  • Viv Albertine

    Viv Albertine

    Viv Albertine is a trailblazing musician, writer, and feminist icon whose courage reshaped the cultural landscape. As the guitarist for The Slits, she defied societal norms, fusing punk music with reggae and confronting issues of sexism head-on.

  • Lee Miller

    Lee Miller

    Lee Miller Day celebrates resilience, creativity, curiosity and the courage to forge one’s own path.

    Lee Miller was a photographer, model, and war correspondent who made significant contributions to 20th-century photography through her artistic vision and impactful work.

    Beginning her career as a fashion model, she transitioned to the other side of the lens, becoming a protege and collaborator of surrealist artist Man Ray. Together, they experimented with photographic techniques, and Miller played a pivotal role in refining and advancing the rayograph (photogram) process.

    During World War II, Miller served as a correspondent for Vogue, capturing hauntingly raw images of the front lines, the liberation of concentration camps, and the aftermath of war. Her work juxtaposed beauty and brutality, reflecting her unique ability to document humanity in its most profound moments.

  • Audre Lorde

    Audre Lorde

    Courage is The Change celebrates Audre Lorde Day as an inspiration to embrace interconnectedness, encouraging solidarity across identities and empowering collective action for meaningful change.

    Audre Lorde was a poet, essayist, and activist whose work continues to inspire movements for social justice and equality.

    Identifying as a “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” Lorde used her voice to confront issues of racism, sexism, homophobia, and classism, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these struggles.

    Through groundbreaking works like The Cancer Journals and Sister Outsider, she challenged societal norms and advocated for self-expression, intersectionality, and the power of difference.

    Lorde believed in using poetry as a tool for resistance and transformation, urging marginalized communities to embrace their voices as sources of power. Her legacy is a testament to the enduring strength of speaking truth to power and building bridges across identities to foster collective liberation.

  • Yoko Ono

    Yoko Ono

    Yoko Ono is a groundbreaking artist, musician, and performer whose life and work reflect resilience, innovation, and profound influence.

    As a wartime survivor of the devastation in Japan during World War II, Ono’s experiences of hardship and displacement deeply shaped her artistic vision, emphasizing themes of peace, healing, and interconnectedness. Her early association with avant-garde pioneer John Cage not only influenced her but also positioned her as a bridge between Eastern philosophies and Western experimental art, inspiring even her mentors through her unique approach.

    A central figure in the Fluxus movement, Ono redefined the relationship between audience and artist, transforming participation into a core element of her conceptual and performance art. Works like Cut Piece and Grapefruit challenges traditional art boundaries (even to this day), merging multi-disciplinary practices into emergent experiences. Her ability to integrate personal and collective narratives continues to resonate, positioning her as a vital force in the evolution of art.

  • Ari Up Day

    Ari Up Day

    Ari Up, was a pioneering force in punk rock, best known as the frontwoman of The Slits. Joining the band at just 14 years old, she brought an unapologetic rawness and irreverence that shattered conventions and redefined the role of women in music.

    With her fearless energy and boundary-pushing creativity, she helped craft The Slits’ distinctive sound, blending raw punk power with reggae influences.

    Ari’s unfiltered stage presence, bold fashion, and rebellious spirit made her an icon of individuality, challenging societal norms and even the conformity of punk rock itself. Her influence extends far beyond her years, inspiring generations of musicians and fans with her unwavering commitment to authenticity and defiance of convention.