FEATURE The origin of Women’s History Month

March is known as Women’s History Month. It is a time to honor and celebrate the contributions of women throughout U.S. history. But what is the origin of this beloved month? How did it grow into what it is now?

The creation of Women’s History Month dates back to 1978 in Santa Rosa, California, before it was even a month. The Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Statues of Women created a local celebration in 1978 titled Women’s History Week. They saw the lack of women’s celebration and education in the classroom and really all over, so they decided to make a change. The celebration would take place during the week of March 8.

This week was chosen to connect with International Women’s Day, which was March 8.

The celebration was so big and powerful that other communities across the country threw together their own Women’s History Week celebrations the following year. This celebration grew as schools all over the country planned special programs and activities to celebrate, with community women hosting presentations and an annual “Real Woman” essay contest.

The local celebrations would eventually become a national recognition in 1980, when the National Women’s History Project would lead a group of women and historians to make it happen. The National Women’s History Project is now known as the National Women’s History Alliance.

The same year, Rep. Barbara Mikulski and Sen.Orrin Hatch co-sponsored a resolution for National Women’s History Week. In February of 1980, President Jimmy Carter signed a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week.

The following years, until 1987, every president would continue to proclaim a National Women’s History Week.

By the time of 1986, 14 states had already declared March as Women’s History Month. This action and movement were used as a turning point for Congress and their next decision. In 1987, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, which made March known as Women’s History Month.

Between the years of 1988 and 1994, Congress would add additional resolutions requesting that the president proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month.

Since then, March has been officially titled Women’s History Month. Each year, the National Women’s History Alliance picks a yearly theme for Women’s History Month; this year's theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” It will focus on all women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media.

Celebrate Women’s History Month by visiting these local women owned businesses

Hair Connect 989

Looking for a new hair salon and beauty supply store? Try out Hair Connect 989, a salon that specializes in Afrocentric braids and haircuts. Salon hours are by appointment only; walk-ins are welcome for barbershop hours. The salon is located at 2141 Warwick Street in Saginaw. For more information, visit their website, hairconnect989.com

Aliasa

Own your beauty by checking out a beauty, cosmetic, and personal care business called Aliasa. They do facials, waxing, and makeup appointments. They are at 3211 Shattuck Road in Saginaw. For more information, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/myaliasa

Shift

Looking to make a shift in your life check out the store SHIFT located at 140 E Second Street Suite 100 in Flint. They sell a wide range of things, from women’s clothing to home objects to jewelry to kids’ games and much more. You'll find something for everyone in this store. For more information, visit their website at www.shiftflint.com

Abby’s of Frankenmuth

Check out this stylish and cute women’s boutique called Abby’s of Frankenmuth, located at 576 South Main Street. This amazing place sells a range of cute tops, jackets, shoes, accessories, jewelry, and much more.

For more information, visit their website abbysoffrankenmuth.com

Dakota Images

If you are looking to start your own business or get it out there but don’t know where to start, check out Dakota Images. They work on getting entrepreneurs seen by target audiences so that they can grow their business. They also do photography and design for your businesses. For more information, visit their website at www.alexandriajones.com.

Goodboy Clothing

Are you looking for a good Middle Eastern and Lebanese cuisine place? Check out Falafel Hut Middle Eastern Cuisine at the SVRC Marketplace, 203 South Washington Avenue. They sell a range of delicious and flavorful foods. For more information, visit their website falafelhutmec.weebly.com

Glo Skin Spa

Looking for a place to relax and get your glow back check out Glo at 5800 Eastman Avenue in Midland. This is a fully female team that offers treatments for acne, sun damage, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and much more. On top of that they offer services to help make you shine bright whether it be for your skin, body, or health they’ve got you covered. For more information, visit their website at glo-skinspa.com.

See the full list online