Growing up in the 70s, the stereotypical mom was June Cleaver. Donned in dress heels, pearls and apron, this suburban mom’s domestic quest was the kitchen! My being reared in the quiet and small town of Statesboro, Georgia, the Cleaver persona was paramount.
But not so in the Martin home.
My mother, Faye Sanders Martin, was a pioneer woman in the
field of law. Rather than being tethered
to a stove, mother was a strong and successful attorney producing an income
that would be envied by most men of that day. Ten to twelve working hours
designed her days. For 22 years, she encouraged and paved the way
for countless other female law students to follow in her footsteps, (including
my successful sister Janna Martin).
In November 1978, Faye Sanders Martin was recognized for her
brilliance and dedication to the legal profession. She was appointed as the first woman Superior Court Judge by a Governor in the State of Georgia. I was
16 years old.
I remember as if it were yesterday standing by her side as
she was sworn in by Georgia’s Governor Busbee.
My fearless mom, a Superior Court Judge in Georgia! This image -- this portrait of a strong,
independent, go-getter, smart woman – set and sustained the illustration for
Janna and me as to how to conduct ourselves in future personal and professional
roles.
But today, for most girls, this is neither that illustration
nor reality. Now, unfortunately they are
caught up in the superficial cosmetic web while viewing stock photo images of
scantily-clothed women holding power tools or sitting behind a receptionist’s desk.
I choose to follow in my Mama's footsteps and promote the image of "real women." How about you?
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