Tori: There are a lot of strong and worthy women who make up the first wave of feminism in this country. Of all of them, I've always felt the closest to Matilda Joslyn Gage because in many ways we know what we know about that period thanks to her.
She was the publisher and editor of The National Citizen and Ballot Box. This was kind of like Rolling Stone covering music, because The National Citizen and Ballot Box was the paper of record for the feminist movement.
She also explored (and remember this is the 1800s) the older religions, the ones revolving around the goddess. She questioned authority and was someone who found joy in research and learning which may be the reason I admire her so much. So I'd like to salute Matilad Joslyn Gage, her thirst for knowledge and her refusal to accept easy answers.
