Welcome to Concrete Jungle — a biweekly series where Brooklyn native Madison Black helps you navigate the ins and outs of NYC as a college student. Think of it as your personal survival guide, if you will. This week, we’ll get right into celebrating iconic women who shaped New York City.

Hey y’all, we’re back!

And guess what time it is?

We just wrapped up Women’s History Month: a yearly tradition that celebrates everything that comes with being a woman! 

And although the month is sadly over, that doesn’t mean we still can’t highlight all the girls that run the world!

So, fellas, I hope you enjoyed your time to kick back and relax for a second because…

It’s ladies’ night! It’s ladies’ day! It’s ladies’ EVERYTHING. Just because March is over doesn’t mean we have to stop the party.

We’re not toning anything down! This time of year is the perfect opportunity to celebrate women and what better place to do it than at Concrete Jungle?!

I mean look at Knicks fans. Still hoping for a championship. Meanwhile, the New York Liberty won their first WNBA title last year, therefore making them the only team in this city that’s making us look good right now. 

Women always have to save the day, UGH — especially in New York City.

Yes, in New York we are the prime example of celebrating loud and proud. We are the definition of cocky. The pinnacle of conceited. But when you’re dealing with New York women?! Oh man, you’re in for a ride.

As a New York woman myself, there is truly nothing like us. We have something very special:  the perfect blend of femininity and New York grit. Think of it like this: 50 cent with double D’s. 

Us New York women are all about being soft and tough in the same breath. And here at Concrete Jungle, we want to celebrate all of that!

So this segment is a very special one. This is dedicated to all the women of New York who have shown us exactly what it means to make history.

Here’s a list of our favorite New York women!

1. The Statue of Liberty

Now, when some of you think of a green woman, your mind probably goes to Cynthia Erivo in the middle of a Target store saying, “That’s my line” before belting an impossible riff.

But baby, let me tell you something….

There was a girl before that who was already green! DUH! She paved the way for all the green girls of the world, matter of fact.

And she is the Statue of Liberty.

Now, although she was initially a copper color, this diva never let her change in hue stop her from holding that torch up high and shining her light for women all over the globe.

And what a strong woman she is for holding that torch! How long has she been holding that thing?! Over a century? Sheesh.

AND she’s in a custody battle right now between the United States and France?! What a baddie. Imagine having two countries fight over you?! Ugh, I wish I was in a messy love triangle like that!

If there’s anything the Statue of Liberty has taught us about being a fem icon, it’s that no matter what she faces  — from color shifts to custody battles —– she still holds that torch up high. 

Ladies,we should all take notes and do the same.

2. Nicki Minaj

“Rah rah dungeon dragon”  is what actually goes through my mind when I’m sitting in my economics class.

Now, does it have anything to do with economics? No. But does it have everything to do with being a fan of rapper, Nicki Minaj (or a Barb as we like to say)? Absolutely.

Almost everyone in the world knows exactly who Nicki Minaj is. She is truly a one-of-one artist  and there is no one like her. And whether you listen to her or not, no one can deny that her influence is everlasting.

But aside from her impact, Nicki Minaj is actually a New York native (if you didn’t already know) — from Southside, Jamaica Queens to be exact. 

But on a more personal (and serious note), Nicki Minaj’s music has truly — and I mean, truly —  given me the confidence to believe in myself and help me jump start my day. Her lyrics are quite literally affirmations for me.

I mean imagine rapping to a song that says “I will retire with the crown, yes / No, I’m not lucky, I’m blessed, yes!” 

Who wouldn’t feel confident after saying that?!

So, yes during Women’s History Month, we should most definitely give our flowers to a rap icon who quite literally raised a whole generation of women that still lip sync her songs on TikTok to this day.

Thank you, Nicki!

3. Shirley Chisholm

Now on a more serious note, since it is Women’s History Month, it’s important that we spotlight an icon who has truly paved the way for not just women, but women of color as well.

And as a Brooklyn native, it’s only right to speak on the very special pioneer that is Shirley Chisholm.

Most of you might already be familiar with this Chisholm since most people know about the national park named after her in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

But aside from her being from NYC, she’s also an individual who has made history for women in politics and opened doors for many Black women in politics.

In 1968, Chisholm made history, she was selected to be the first Black woman to serve in the United States Congress and she represented New York’s 12th congressional district. She quite literally opened doors and is still celebrated — and emulated in a lot of ways — to this day.

But aside from the record breaking history this queen made, there’s something very special to take away from this, no matter your skin color, your aspirations, or where you come from, you have the power to define your own path.

I’m sure that after mentioning all these women, there’s so many things we’ve learned that can help us create our own history. It’s something that I’m sure motivates a green woman to keep holding her torch high. And I’m most definitely certain it’s a lesson that gives a girl from Queens the courage to create music in a male-dominated industry. 

But I think the biggest lesson of all is actually a quote from an ambitious Brooklyn native who shifted the course of politics for years to come. 

Shirley Chisholm says:

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair.”

I hope that after reading that — wherever you are  — you can write your own history as well. Cheers to the women of New York!