By: Luttrell (Posted by: Samara Stewart)

Women’s History Month is a dedicated month to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to United States history. From Abigail Adams to Susan B. Anthony to Sojourner Truth to Rosa Parks, the timeline of women’s milestones and contributions stretches back to the founding of the United States.

The actual celebration of Women’s History Month grew out of a weeklong celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history, and society organized by the school district of Sonoma, California, in 1978. Hundreds of students from dozens of schools participated in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade was held in downtown Santa Rosa.

A few years later, the idea caught on within communities, school districts, and organizations across the country. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution establishing a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March.

Women’s History Month is dedicated to celebrating and encouraging the study of the vital role women have played throughout history and within society; emphasizes the value of women’s voices; and encourages all of us to respect and support equality.

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