March is Women’s History Month

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March is Women’s History Month, and this month women are being praised for their contributions. This is the first time I can actually remember this month long celebration, and the emphasis placed on it by the media. The week was first celebrated in 1978, and has since expanded.

Lewis (2020) stated that on February 28, 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a Presidential Proclamation declaring the week of March 8th, 1980 as the first National Women’s History Week. President Carter’s proclamation read in part:

“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” (Lewis, 2020).

That is an under statement, there are so many women who have contributed to our lives and society that have been over looked, due to sex and race. Black women did not receive the right to vote until 1965. Personally I want to show my appreciation to my own mother and first teacher Mary Odessa Turner. My mother was an educator and began her working career as most women in the 1950’s as an elementary school teacher.

Although my mother and I had a difficult relationship, I learned many things from her. She has passed on, but I can appreciate all the lessons she taught me, that include my love of education and the ability to take care of myself. These things were important to her, and she stressed it. Mary was also outspoken and would say things that gave you pause, thus I am my mothers child.

When we are young we do not always appreciate our parents, especially our mothers until we are older or have children of our own. This is when you know you are a full adult, because you may finally understand their concerns. My mother use to say “you made your bed now lay in it”. This refers to your choices and actions and it has always stuck with me.

The pandemic has affected all of our relationships, especially with older friends and family, and it has been stressful for many. As our country opens up after the pandemic, hopefully you will be more appreciative of all your elders especially the women in your circle who have much wisdom to share.

Just keeping you informed.

References

Lewis, 2020. Why We Celebrate Womens History Month. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/womens-history-month-3530805#:~:text=Women%E2%80%99s%20History%20Month%20is%20observed%20annually%20during%20March,1980%20as%20the%20first%20National%20Women%E2%80%99s%20History%20Week.