Did you know that March is Women’s History Month? If you stop and think about all the things women have accomplished over the years, there’s no doubt that a whole month is needed in recognition. According to the National Women’s History Project:
“The National Women’s History Month theme for 2016 honors women who have shaped America’s history and its future through their public service and government leadership. Although often overlooked and undervalued, collectively they have dramatically influenced our public policy and the building of viable institutions and organizations. From championing basic human rights to ensuring access and equal opportunity for all Americans, they have led the way in establishing a stronger and more democratic country.”
And, isn’t it true? Women have shaped and continue to shape our country everyday and in so many ways. Let’s take a look at a few pioneers of recent history…
LaLa Anthony: My friend, a mom, wife, actor, T.V. personality, entrepreneur…and the list goes on. Did you know she can now add Co-Producer of a Broadway play to her long list of achievements? Not only is she co-producing Eclipsed, it’s the first Broadway play written, acted and produced by women of color. A game changer.
And, here are a few of the 2016 Women’s History Month Honorees:
Suzan Shown Harjo: Native American Public Policy Advocate and Journalist
Suzan Shown Harjo is a Native American activist whose 50-year career includes work in journalism, poetry, curating, and policy advocacy. Descended from Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee Nations, her accomplishments include helping Native peoples regain more than one million acres of tribal lands.
Judy Hart: National Park Founding Superintendent of Women’s Rights National Historical Park
Judy Hart is a civic activist and consultant whose 27-year career with the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) and other seminal work has helped legitimize and raise awareness of women’s history in America.
Barbara Mikulski: Longest Serving Woman in the United States Congress
Barbara Mikulski is the Senior Senator from Maryland representing the Democratic Party. Starting her career as a social worker, In Congress Mikulski has championed such efforts as equal pay, a woman’s right to choose, improving health care for and medical research on women, and subsidizing child-care for low-income families.
Karen Narasaki: Civil and Human Rights Leader
Karen Narasaki is a Civil Rights lawyer, lobbyist, and leader who has dedicated her career to issues of Asian American equality. Her work has focused on voting rights, affirmative action, family immigration, media representation, and hate crimes prevention. Narasaki is currently a Commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.
Have you taken a moment to think about all the women in your life making a difference in the world today?
