Women’s History Month, beginning March 1^st through March 31^st is a month-long celebration of the many contribution’s women have bestowed on American history. Dedicated to reflect on the influence of the often disregarded vigorous, determined, courageous women who’ve influenced civilization and American tradition. 

The origin of Women’s History Month germinates from a weeklong commemoration of women’s impact on society, history and culture. Initially, organized by Sonoma, California’s school district in 1978; where hundreds of students participated in an essay contest, “Real Women”, along with a large parade downtown in Santa Rosa. Two years later, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring March 2^nd through the 8^th as Women’s History Week, corresponding with International Women’s Day on March 8^th.  By 1981, the US Congress passed a resolution establishing a national celebration of Women’s History Week. Six years later, in March of 1987, The National Women’s History Project victoriously petitioned Congress to expand the weeklong observance to the entire month of March.

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.

As Dr. Gerda Lerner has noted, “Women’s History is Women’s Right.” – It is an essential and indispensable heritage from which we can draw pride, comfort, courage, and long-range vision.”

I ask my fellow Americans to recognize this heritage with appropriate activities during National Women’s History Week, March 2-8, 1980.

I urge libraries, schools, and community organizations to focus their observances on the leaders who struggled for equality – – Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Lucy Stone, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, and Alice Paul.

Understanding the true history of our country will help us to comprehend the need for full equality under the law for all our people.

This goal can be achieved by ratifying the 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that “Equality of Rights under the Law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.” – President Jimmy Carter, 1980

Today, we are proud to pay homage to the exceptional women in history that have aided in the rich advancement of humanity. This year, the theme for Women’s History Month is – “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope”. It is an ode to the endless efforts of caregivers and frontline workers during this continued Covid pandemic, as well as recognizing the multitude of women providing both healing and hope throughout history.