By Alyssa Jackson ~ Assistant Editor
Photo of Rosie the Riveter ~ Photo by Artist J. Howard Miller
After many years of fighting for independence, March was given to women to celebrate their achievements and how far women have come by fighting for their rights.
This holiday started in 1981 after Congress authorized a request for the President to claim the beginning week of March 7, 1982 as the “Women’s History Week.” However it was petitioned in 1987 by The National Women’s History Project for the entire month to be designated as “Women’s History Month.”
Various groups and committees around the University of Lynchburg have provided resources for students who want to learn more about Women’s History Month or celebrate the month through fun activities.
The Office of Equity and Inclusion invites students to celebrate this month, stating it is “about recognizing and honoring the women throughout history who have paved the way for communities, nations and the world.”
Mei White, a sophomore, urges that everyone should always recognize the importance of Women’s History month.
“It means to me that we get to celebrate all of the amazing and beautiful accomplishments that all the women have achieved before us and celebrate together and be there for each other,” White says.
They also encourage students to support this month through connecting historical events with current events to help put an emphasis on the relevance of Women’s History Month. Alongside speaking about the importance of this month in classrooms, or through simple conversations.
According to junior Dell Newton, the importance of Women’s History Month often goes overlooked.
“Women are overlooked and underappreciated in every way. For me, Women’s History Month reminds me of the women, specifically black women, who fought for my right to pursue my own destiny,” says Newton.
This month acknowledges women’s history and celebrates those who are continuing to fight for women today.
Even after the month’s end it is still encouraged for students to celebrate the importance of Women’s History Month. To find out more about future events for this month, check out the Office of Equity and Inclusion’s page.
