Women’s History Month
March marks Women's History Month, a dedicated time to reflect on and celebrate the profound impact women have had on American history.
Originating from a community-driven effort in 1978, Women's History Month evolved from a week-long celebration to a nationally recognized month of tribute.
In the beginning, a group called the Education Task Force, part of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women, put together a special week called "Women's History Week" in Santa Rosa, California. Led by Molly Murphy McGregor, this local celebration coincided with International Women's Day and laid the foundation for a movement that would soon resonate across the country.
In 1980, a pivotal event unfolded as the National Women's History Project spearheaded efforts for nationwide recognition of Women's History Week. President Jimmy Carter officially designated the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women's History Week to rectify the oversight in acknowledging women's significant contributions throughout history.
A resolution marked a crucial shift in the celebration, moving beyond a mere week to encompass an entire month. This evolution culminated in the official declaration of March 1987 as "Women's History Month." The movement gained momentum, with states declaring March as Women's History Month. In 1987, Congress officially designated March as a month of nationwide celebration. Since then, each March brings a special Presidential Proclamation honoring the extraordinary achievements of American women.
In commemorating Women's History Month, we pay tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of past eras and strive to inspire future generations in the pursuit of universal equality and acknowledgment for every individual! Here’s what you can do to celebrate Women’s History Month!
Honor the important women in your life.
Take the time to express your gratitude to the women who have positively influenced your life. Write heartfelt thank-you cards acknowledging their impact and include flowers or candy to show appreciation for their contributions or achievements. Celebrate the deep bonds of female friendships by organizing a girls’ night. Create a sense of community, engage in fun activities like games and crafts, and share your thoughts on what it means to be a woman.
Watch a movie by women filmmakers, or one with female leads.
Support women filmmakers by exploring movies directed or produced by women. This can provide insights into the challenges and triumphs of women throughout history. Here are a couple of recommendations for a great movie night with the gals!
Emma. (2020)
Little Women (2019)
Pretty in Pink ( 1986)
Miss Congeniality (2000)
Clueless (1995)
Barbie (2023)
Steel Magnolias (1989)
Lady Bird (2017)
Have a dance party to an all-woman playlist.
Celebrate women in music by curating a playlist featuring songs by female artists across all genres. Have a dance party to celebrate the creativity, talent, and empowerment that women bring to the music industry! If you are looking for any recommendations, check out my podcast “Grooving with Grace” for my segment on Women Rock and Roll.
Read material by women writers – and discuss them!
Get into the spirit by checking out material written by awesome female poets and writers. Take a moment to read and think about the words that capture the diverse experiences and perspectives of women. Then, kick back and chat with friends about your thoughts and interpretations—it's all about sharing and enjoying the literary journey! Here are a couple recommendations of for authors to explore!
Poets:
Rupi Kaur
Maya Angelou
Susan Nguyen
Margaret Atwood
Novelists:
Gillian Flynn
Jane Austen
Louisa May Alcott
Support women-owned businesses.
Show some love for women entrepreneurs by consciously choosing to support businesses run by inspiring women. Whether it's shopping locally or checking out cool online spots, give a shoutout to these fantastic women-led ventures. Some places in Downtown Auburn where you can support women-owned businesses are Auburn Oil Booksellers and Behind the Glass.
Enjoy this month celebrating the ongoing perseverance and strength of women everywhere!
Be Well, Auburn.
Born and raised in Roswell, GA, Grace grew up with a UGA Bulldawg and an FSU Seminole as parents. Clearly, it caused quite a shock when she decided on Auburn. Almost four years later, neither parent will commit to Auburn orange, but they have gotten on board with the decision, considering how happy their daughter is at her school. Now a senior, Grace is studying Communications and Marketing, with a minor in Journalism, and is hoping to make her way into the Marketing world, ideally in the music industry.
When she is not involved in extracurriculars, work, or school, Grace can be found thrifting, searching for new vinyl shops, working out, or enjoying a great book. Her favorite things include her dogs, live music, sushi, and a great fall day. For her last year at Auburn, Grace has hopes for incredible moments of laughter and learning, with old friends and new ones, as she soaks in every possible moment that makes Auburn home.
