An African proverb states, “Teach a man to read and you educate an individual; teach a woman to read and you educate a nation.”
We are rapidly approaching the end of March, and another chapter is closing on our nation’s annual observance of Women’s History Month. This 31-day celebration, which began with the first International Women’s Day observance in 1911, grew to become National Women’s History Week in America through a proclamation by President Jimmy Carter, issued in February 1980. Seven years later, Congress passed Public Law 100-9, designating March as Women’s History Month. A 1988 Presidential Proclamation from President Ronald Reagan stated, in part, the month is “a time to recognize and salute women’s contributions to the American family and society. Women strengthen the family and enrich our lives with intellectual gifts, creative talents and an indomitable spirit — in business, government, volunteer activities, religious life, education, health, the military, sports, the arts and many other areas.”
The 2019 theme for Woman’s History Month, as declared by the National Women’s History Project out of Santa Rosa, California, was “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence,” which sought to shine a light on the work of women who “led efforts to end war, violence and injustice and pioneered the use of nonviolence to change society.”
As I think about the observances that took place this month honoring the work of visionary women past and present, I can’t help but juxtapose that with the headlines, tweets and posts viewed during that same time period that focused a spotlight on the injustices, violence, inequality and dangers that assault us. On a daily basis a simple social media search turns up examples of hatred and intolerance for people with differing opinions and beliefs, disproportionate amounts of gun violence in resource-strapped communities, disparities in compensation, challenges in securing affordable and available health care and substandard educational opportunities for the least, the last and the left out.
Without question there are more and more conflicts and wrongs in our society today that make it difficult to champion peace and nonviolence, let alone contribute to the growth and development of healthy families and safe communities. Yet, that is exactly what we must do, especially in the face of such perceived impossibilities.
In January of this year, when the 116th Congress convened, nearly a quarter of its voting membership — the highest percentage in U.S. history — was made up of women, with 102 women serving in the House of Representatives and another 25 in the Senate. In many instances our elected officials, regardless of the level — local, state or federal — are our champions of peace and nonviolence and tolerance and compassion and justice. But they are not the only champions. All across the country, individual women and organizations of which they are a part are standing as champions, advocates, teachers, mentors and fierce protectors of peaceful, nonviolent, compassionate and inclusive communities.
At a local level, this week more than 3,000 members of the nation’s oldest Greek-letter organization established by and for college-educated women of African-American descent, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., will convene in Indianapolis for their Central Regional Conference. Among the subjects to be addressed will be an “HBCU for Life” initiative targeting support of historically Black institutions of higher learning; #CAP, a unique program designed to help high school students navigate the college admissions application and essay processes successfully and programs addressing civic engagement and service through the arts, building an economic legacy and making a global impact. A highlight of the conference will be the debut of the Yvonne Perkins Community Outreach Pavilion and a health fair offering free cholesterol and glucose screenings.
The African proverb is true. By teaching, you educate the individual and the nation. Through visionary leaders we educate by providing compassionate health care options, examine economic stability and college education as a way of combating violence, preserve historic educational institutions and guide the education of our young people to advance nonviolence and promote the common good.
Women’s History Month 2019 is coming to a close, but the work of visionary women is just getting started.
Sonya L. Bowen, Central Regional Director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
