Women’s History Month African-American Founding Mothers Who Inspired Black Excellence
WRITTEN BY: GEORGE DIKE PHOTOS COURTESY OF: ISTOCK, PEXELS, UNC SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
I n 1978, the schools of Sonoma County, Women’s History Day to examine women’s history, issues, and contributions. Hundreds of students participated in the essay competitions, many presentations were given, and a parade was held at Santa Rosa. The districts, communities, and organizations all over the country celebrated the day. In 1980, the National California, designated a day in March as idea caught on, and a few years later, school
In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity. A special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year, which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women. Since then, the United States has formally recognized March as National Women’s History Month to recognize women’s many accomplishments throughout history. Today, various agencies, schools, and organizations observe Women’s History Month by focusing on American women’s consistently overlooked and
Women’s History Alliance moved for a holiday as a national week. This was backed by President Jimmy Carter, who issued the first proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week.
undervalued role in history. Over the years, several women have played major roles in ensuring that women are not belittled or underrepresented. These women have shown strength in the face of fear and societal imbalance. We celebrate every woman of all races, religions, or beliefs. But we especially want to highlight some key Black women who have left their footprints in the sands of time.
In 1981, a U.S. congressional resolution proclaimed the week, including March 8, to be National Women’s History Week. In 1986, the National Women’s History Project played a significant role in expanding the observance to the entire month of March. By 1986, 14 states had declared March as Women’s History Month. This momentum and state-by-state action were used as the rationale to lobby Congress to declare the entire month of March 1987 as National Women’s History Month.
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