Paula J. Luttrell
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. The first steps to reach this came in February 1980, when President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week. By 1986, 14 states had declared March as National Women’s History Month.
This year will also mark the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote on the basis of gender. Initially introduced to Congress in 1878, several attempts to pass a women’s suffrage amendment failed until passing the House of Representatives on May 21, 1919, followed by the Senate in June of the same year. It was submitted to the states for ratification on Aug. 18, 1920; Tennessee became the last of the necessary 36 states needed to secure ratification. The 19th Amendment was officially adopted on Aug. 26, 1920; the culmination of a decadeslong movement for women’s suffrage.
We can look forward to more celebrations of women this summer. In the meantime, there are many ways to celebrate women during and after National Women’s History Month.
- Post on social media to spread awareness of National Women’s History Month.
- Support a women’s nonprofit.
- Host an event to celebrate women.
- Support women-owned businesses.
- Watch movies written and/or directed by women.
- Support women authors, artists and athletes.
Noteworthy events this month in San Diego County include:
March 18, 6-9 p.m. Nasty WomXn’s History Month Showcase at You Belong Here, 3619 El Cajon Blvd. Among those being honored are the women of NASA during the space race; and a multimedia installation exploring connections between Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” and modern-day mass incarceration. A life-sized piñata of Mother Teresa calls attention to femicide and current border issues. This is a no-holds-barred event and admission is free.
March 19, 5-7 p.m. Women Elevate San Diego Celebration at the San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd. Join Mayor Kevin Faulconer and San Diego first lady Katherine Faulconer to recognize the city’s women leaders at the second annual Elevate San Diego Celebration and Awards.
March 31, 8 p.m. “Women in Jazz” at Martinis Above Fourth, 3940 Fourth Ave. Allison Adams Tucker’s 10th annual show celebrates the feminine side of jazz. Allison brings together a swingin’ band of talented women. $25 admission with drink specials and dinner packages available
So, let’s get out and celebrate women! After all, none of us would be here if it weren’t for a woman!
