Happy Women’s History Month
March 1, 2010 by Joi Roberts - Charter Member
Filed under 2010 Women's History Month, Cultural Celebration
In 1978, California’s Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women initiated a “Women’s History Week,” with the focal point of the activities landing on March 8th, International Women’s Day. Through the continued efforts of women across America, the annual celebration grew in its scope and significance. Then, in 1987 Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month.
In the midst of this movement towards national recognition, President Jimmy Carter addressed the nation with words of encouragement that ring true today. May we always embrace the spirit of inclusivity to which he referred:
“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 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.”
It’s with this same spirit that Designers421 was founded and by which we celebrate the heritage and experiences of our members. Please join us this month as we share the stories of women designers from around the world. And, help by spreading the word to your personal and professional networks, and inspiring as many girls as you can!
For more information about Women’s History Month, please visit: the NWHP website.
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Joi L Roberts
