It has been just over a year since a woman of iconic standards died. In 1993 she was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Bill Clinton and became the second woman to serve in that position, but that was nowhere near the start of her fight for gender equality. Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her whole life fighting for gender equality and changed the lives of so many in that fight.
Many felt her impact and were deeply saddened by her death in September of 2020. People from all over the world honored Ginsburg in their own ways; memorializing her forever.
Even after death, Ginsburg was making history. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was the first woman, and the first Jewish person to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol. To lie in state is one of the most prestigious honors. Lying in state is almost exactly as it sounds; the remains of someone distinguished are placed in the U.S. Capitol for a final tribute to said person. Ginsburg, like anyone else who lay in state, was placed in the Rotunda and used the Lincoln catafalque. There are not many who receive this honor, but it was most fitting that Ginsburg did.
While Ginsburg lay in state, her personal trainer of 21 years honored her in his own way. Bryant Johnson did several pushups next to her casket, a tribute that connected them both deeply. Ginsburg first started training with Johnson in 1999, after her first battle with cancer. She developed, and became famous for, her strict workout routine with him. Ginsburg did hour-long workouts with Johnson, which you can find on youtube if you’re curious, or scroll to the bottom of the page for the link. Johnson wrote and published an exercise book called The RBG Workout as well, which allows people to workout like RBG; or to exercise as a tribute to her like her trainer did.
It wasn’t just the U.S. who mourned the great RBG. Even before she died, a Jewish museum in Tel Aviv, Israel, had contacted Ginsburg and asked for a donation of an artifact to honor her, and her contributions to the world. She of course told them yes, and gave her one of the lace collars she wears with her robe during oral debates on the court. The collar itself is magnificent: the white lace has a thick gold border around the edge and has a pearl clasp.
What you read above highlighted some of the major ways Ginsburg was honored, but the general population honored her in their own smaller ways as well. My own family, for example, made special masks to wear to commemorate her. A simple black mask with white lace sewn along the top to represent her collar. Others told their stories as to how she helped them through her actions on the Supreme Court, and even before she was nominated for the position. For example, before Ginsburg, women couldn’t take out credit cards in their own names, they couldn’t open bank accounts, or commit to a mortgage without their husband as a cosigner, and state-funded schools didn’t have to admit women. Some other major accomplishments include her work for equal pay, and she was a key vote in allowing same-sex marriages. Some are teaching her legacy to their children, telling her story. Before the election, many said they were honoring her by voting, and asked others to do the same.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg accomplished a great many things in her battle for gender equality. Those battles and accomplishments will never be forgotten. Her legacy will be passed down within generations, and she will be remembered forever.
RBG Workout Video:
Sources:
Lying in State Info: https://www.aoc.gov/what-we-do/programs-ceremonies/lying-in-state-honor
RBG Lying in State: https://www.npr.org/sections/death-of-ruth-bader-ginsburg/2020/09/25/916526420/justice-ginsburg-lies-in-state-at-u-s-capitol
Personal Trainer Tribute: https://www.npr.org/sections/death-of-ruth-bader-ginsburg/2020/09/25/916870970/ginsburgs-trainer-honors-late-justice-with-push-ups-at-capitol-hill-memorial
Israel Museum Info: https://www.npr.org/sections/death-of-ruth-bader-ginsburg/2020/09/29/918163074/ginsburgs-iconic-collar-to-go-on-display-in-israel
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