March is here, and it’s not just about blooming flowers and longer days. It’s Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and sheer brilliance of women throughout history. Here in Lincoln, California, we’re embracing this month with gusto—and maybe a little sass—because the contributions of women deserve more than just polite applause. Let’s dive into why this month matters and how Lincoln folks can celebrate it in style.
What’s the Buzz About Women’s History Month?
Let’s rewind to 1978 when Women’s History Month was just a twinkle in Santa Rosa, California’s eye. Back then, it started as Women’s History Week, timed to coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8. Fast forward to 1987, and Congress officially declared March as Women’s History Month. Since then, every president has issued proclamations honoring women’s contributions to history, society, and culture. This year’s theme? “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.”
Trailblazing Women You Should Know
History is full of women who didn’t just break the glass ceiling—they shattered it into glittering confetti. Here are a few names worth dropping at your next coffee chat:
- Marie Curie: The queen of science who won two Nobel Prizes and gave us X-rays (and probably saved your last ER visit).
- Maya Angelou: Poet, author, activist—she didn’t just write words; she changed lives.
- Amelia Earhart: The first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic, proving that the sky isn’t the limit.
- Rosa Parks: Her refusal to give up her bus seat sparked a movement that changed America forever.
- Serena Williams: With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she redefined what it means to dominate in sports while inspiring young athletes worldwide.
These women—and countless others—have paved the way for future generations. They remind us that history isn’t just about kings and wars; it’s also about queens of innovation and champions of change.
Lincoln University’s “Lincoln Daughters” Virtual Panel Discussion
Looking for something inspiring this month? Mark your calendars for March 20th at 7 PM because Lincoln University is hosting a virtual event that you won’t want to miss. The “Lincoln Daughters” panel brings together an impressive lineup of women with deep ties to Lincoln University who’ll share their stories of perseverance, education, and community impact.
Why Attend?
- Engaging Stories: Hear firsthand accounts of how education shaped their lives and careers.
- Diverse Perspectives: From different eras and backgrounds, these women offer insights that resonate across generations.
- Open Dialogue: Got questions? You’ll have a chance to ask them directly during the discussion.
Featured Panelists
The lineup is stacked with powerhouse women like Sandra Harmon (and daughter Aziza), Carol Black (and daughter Kita Williams), Cheryl Carter (and daughter Cha’Bria Carter), and more. These ladies aren’t just sharing stories; they’re showcasing what resilience looks like across generations.
How to Join
This event is virtual (hello, comfy pajamas!), so grab your laptop or tablet and register online at Lincoln University’s event page. Trust us—you won’t regret spending an hour soaking up wisdom from these incredible women.
How Lincoln Can Celebrate Locally
While tuning into virtual panels is great, there are plenty of ways Lincoln locals can honor Women’s History Month right here in town:
- Support Local Women-Owned Businesses: Whether it’s grabbing coffee at a café or shopping at a boutique run by women entrepreneurs, put your dollars where your values are.
- Library Love: Check out books by female authors or biographies about trailblazing women like Jane Austen or Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Bonus points if you recommend them to friends!
- Volunteer for Women-Focused Causes: Help out at shelters or organizations supporting women in need—it’s a hands-on way to make an impact.
Fun Facts to Drop at Dinner Parties
Want to sound smart while celebrating? Here are some tidbits about Women’s History Month that’ll impress your friends:
- The first woman in space was Valentina Tereshkova, not Sally Ride (though Ride was the first American woman).
- Queen Elizabeth II ruled for 70 years—the longest reign in British history—and still managed to keep her corgis in check.
- The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted its first female artist—Aretha Franklin—in 1987. Respect indeed!
Why It Matters More Than Ever
Women’s History Month isn’t just about looking back; it’s about moving forward together (shoutout to this year’s theme). Whether it’s advocating for equal pay or ensuring access to education worldwide, there’s still work to be done—and celebrating achievements is part of fueling that momentum.
So Lincoln folks, let’s make March count! Whether you’re tuning into the “Lincoln Daughters” panel or simply reflecting on the contributions of women in history, there are countless ways to honor this month meaningfully—and maybe even have a little fun doing it.
Sources: womenshistory.org, blog.soroptimist.org, biography.com
Header Image Source: Becca Tapert on Unsplash
