Celebrating Impact: Meghan Markle

What can be said about this intelligent, independent, and compassionate woman who is using her platform to make such a difference in empowering others; words that haven't already been said about her? So many truths - and even lies - about her life have been put into print that I do not intend to add much more to it. This is mainly to give my own perspective of why I've included her in my trailblazing list.To me, she is the ideal role model for all women, particularly Black ones, in all sorts of ways. But first, a few brief words about her background.

Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Her acting career took off when she played the part of Rachel Zane for seven seasons in the American TV legal drama, Suits. She also developed a social media presence with a lifestyle blog - The Tig (2014–2017) which she had to relinquish when she joined the royal family.

In 2016, Meghan began dating Prince Harry, which changed her life and work forever. They announced their engagement a year later and were married in May, 2018. Meghan received the courtesy title of Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex upon her marriage, but the HRH was rescinded in a petty move against her and her husband.

Meghan and Harry took the courageous decision in 2020 to 'step back from being senior members of the royal family'. They moved to North America with their son, Archie, then had another child, Lilibet, and have since settled in Montecito, California.

I have admired Meghan ever since I learnt about her precocious action at a young age. After all, any child of 12 who can write to a major company pointing out the sexism in their adverts must be pretty aware of her gender, and her worth, traits that she has carried into adulthood, especially as a vocal advocate for social justice and gender equality, particularly working with a number of charities, including UN Women and the World Vision Canada Clean Water Campaign to achieve her objectives.

As a trailblazer with a massive platform that attracts public attention, especially one who has experienced racism within the royal family, she is using that platform to make a difference in the world, with her accessible, warm personality. For example, in 2017, she gave a speech at the United Nations Women's Empowerment Conference in which she spoke about the importance of gender equality and the need to break down barriers for women and girls. In 2018, she also launched the Together cookbook, a collection of recipes from women from all over the world who were affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. The proceeds went to support the victims of the fire.

She has been quite a role model and global inspiration in the following ways:

• She challenges the negative stereotypes of Black women, being a a highly educated, competent and successful one herself.
• She inspires girls and women of colour because she shows them that it is possible to achieve their dreams, too, no matter their background. She is living proof that Black women can be successful in any field they choose.
• She promotes diversity and inclusion, especially through her presence on the global stage. She shows that Black women are valued and respected members of society.

Meghan has played an active part in helping to improve individual wellbeing through the Archewell Foundation, which works to "uplift communities and empower people around the world," with its own focus on social justice and mental health.

She has demonstrated beyond doubt that self-esteem, self-respect and confidence are keys to women's success. She has certainly inspired and empowered young girls and women to to pursue their dreams and goals and to speak out against racism and injustice. Her visibility and platform have built up a very loyal following, while helping to change perceptions on numerous issues. In fact, she is living proof that Black women can be successful in any field they choose.

Someone who describes herself as a 'Meghans Devotee' on Twitter wrote: "Harry and Meghan didn't just leave the UK physically – they also outgrew the confines of rigid British society. Now, they stand as the King and Queen of the free-minded world, inspiring us all to break barriers and embrace freedom ❤️👑 What a success story!"

I couldn't have phrased that sentiment better, because she has proven beyond a doubt the difference just one person can make, from humble beginnings, if determined enough, and in the face of seemingly impossible odds, too!

Tribute #6