Celebrating Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is a celebration of the amazing accomplishments of women throughout American history. This month, we commemorate the incredible strides women have made in every area of life, from politics and science to business and art. We celebrate the many unique skills and strengths that women bring to the table, and we Thank Women for their countless contributions to our society. Women’s History Month is an important time to reflect on all that women have done for us – from fighting for our rights to building our societies and creating lasting legacies. Throughout the month, we’ll be highlighting some of the most iconic female figures in American history, as well as shining a spotlight on some lesser known but no less important women who have made a huge impact on our society.

There have been a number of exceptional women who have made amazing contributions to society. One of the most famous women in history is Susan B. Anthony. Susan is one of the most famous leaders of the women’s rights movement where she fought along others to allow women to have the same rights as men, such as the right to own property, the right to vote, and to receive equal pay. She unfortunately died before she was able to see the 19^th Amendment enacted that gave women the right to vote, however, her advocacy along with others lead to Congress and the U.S. to give women equal rights and allow them to finally have the ability to vote.

Another famous woman in history is Harriet Tubman. Harriet was born a slave in the South in the mid-1800’s. She escaped to the North to become free, but rather than remain in the North to enjoy her new-found freedom, she risked her life to return to the South multiple times to help 300 other slaves escape to the North to gain their freedom. The trail she used to help slaves escape was known as the Underground Railroad which continued throughout the American Civil War. After the end of the war, Harriet raised money to clothe and educate newly freed African American children as well as help the newly freed slaved to find housing.

Hellen Keller is another prominent women’s history figure. Hellen Keller was born in 1880 in Alabama and unfortunately lost both her hearing and sight at the age of 19 months old to an unknown illness. She was unable to communicate with her family or others, that is until 1887 when Anne Sullivan was hired by the Keller family. Anne Sullivan taught Hellen to use sign language in order to communicate with others as well as have the ability to understand others communicating with her. Keller went on to study in 1888 at the Perkins Institute for the Blind and a number of other institutions for the blind and deaf. Hellen became a published author writing 12 published books and seven articles, as well as becoming an advocate for those with disabilities. One of her written articles helped to change the medical field, as her article stated if more doctors and midwives washed the eyes of newborn babies, it would help to prevent many cases of childhood blindness. The medical community began to enact the practice of washing out the eyes of newborns, which did in fact help to alleviate many cases of childhood blindness.

Maya Angelou is one of the most popular and influential writers of all time. Her works are still read and studied today at both primary and college level classes. She is well-known for her autobiography writing style as well as utilizing her work to uplift African American, especially African American women. One of her most famous pieces of work, I Know Why the Caged Birds Sings, made a huge impact in the literary world that opened many doors for both African Americans as well as women authors. She is known a world-famous author and her works continued to be praised and taught to future literary artists.

There are many influential women who have contributed to recent history. One woman who ahs recently made history is Mazie Hirono, who is the first woman to have been elected to the Senate in the state of Hawaii as well as being the first Asian-American women to be in the Senate; she is also the first Japanese-born senator and first Buddhist to serve in Congress. Hirono was brought to Hawaii before it became a state, to escape an abusive father. She became an American citizen when America acquired Hawaii and had it joined as the 50^th state. In 2017, Mazie was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer, however, she has continued to persevere through it and it has deepened her desire to fight for affordable healthcare.

Sonia Sotomayor is famous for being the first Hispanic and female of color to be nominated as a Supreme Court Justice in 2009. She has spent her 40 plus years of her career fighting for women’s rights as well as the rights of Hispanic community, as well as the rights of other minority groups in America. Born in Brooklyn to Puerto Rican migrant family she studied at both Princeton University and Yale University. She graduated law school and became a lawyer in 1980 where she began her long career as a lawyer and judge.

Women have made a tremendous impact on American history, and Women’s History Month is an excellent way to celebrate their accomplishments. We encourage everyone to learn more about these amazing women and the important work they’ve done, and to continue making progress in the future.