90 seconds into the interview, she says 'excuse me,' and I want to high-five her through the screen.

Meet Gerda Lerner, one of the founders of the field of women's history. Think she's got some things to say about women's history then? Um, yes. She's *actually* got some things to yell. Listening to her say "Excuse me?" with such rage and knowledge made me smile. I love how she's just having none of it!


1. This is the "Excuse me?" part. And I love it. Look at her face! She's so mad. I am comforted that she is so mad:

2. I did not know women's suffrage lasted 72 years! A women's history fact from one of the founders OF women's history:

3. Also, I'm now seeing child labor as a women's history thing, and it makes so much sense. Why did I never think of it that way?!?! *Boggle* 113 years:

4. A moment of encouragement from Ms. Lerner:

5. Rule #1: Nobody gave us anything. The idea that the movement for women's rights (or any movement!) *always* faces constant resistance was strangely comforting:

People where I'm from would call Gerda Lerner a *firecracker.* Highest compliment.

Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

This story was originally shared on Capital One.







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