Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of women throughout history. It's a time to remember the women who have broken down barriers and paved the way for future generations of women. Women have made great strides in various fields, including politics, science, literature, and the arts. This blog will take a closer look at Women's History Month, its history, and some of the significant achievements of women throughout history.

The History of Women's History Month:

Women's History Month has its roots in International Women's Day, which has been celebrated annually on March 8th since the early 1900s. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 8th as National Women's History Week. This week was chosen because it coincided with International Women's Day. In 1987, Congress expanded the week to a month, and Women's History Month was born.

Women have made a significant impact on history.  Some of the notable achievements include:

Politics:

• In 1920, women in the United States gained the right to vote.
• In 1992, Carol Moseley Braun became the first Black woman elected to the US Senate.
• In 2021, Kamala Harris became the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States.

Science:

• Dr. Mae Jemison was the first Black woman to go to space.
• Rosalind Franklin played a significant role in the discovery of the structure of DNA.
• Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and she won two: one in Physics and one in Chemistry.
• Katherine Johnson was a NASA mathematician who played a significant role in the early space program.

Literature:

• Toni Morrison was the first Black woman to win a Nobel Prize in Literature.
• Maya Angelou was an award-winning poet, author, and civil rights activist.

Arts:

• Nina Simone was a singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist known for her powerful voice and songs that spoke to the Black experience.
• Frida Kahlo was a prominent Mexican artist who created stunning self-portraits.
• Faith Ringgold is an artist, writer, and activist who is known for her vibrant quilts and paintings that address social and political issues.
• Georgia O’Keeffe was an American artist known for her large-format paintings of flowers and landscapes.

Women's History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of all women, especially black women who have faced even greater challenges and discrimination. From politics to science to literature and the arts, black women have made significant contributions to society. By recognizing the accomplishments of black women, we can inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps and continue breaking down barriers. Let us celebrate the contributions of women and continue to work towards a more equitable and just society for all.