There have been many waves of feminism since its inception in the early 1900s. Most of them excluded women of color, specifically Black women. As society practiced voter suppression and Jim Crow Laws, white women viewed feminism as something of their own. The same can be said for Women’s History Month.
Women’s history has been celebrated since 1978, beginning with one week. By 1987, the National Women’s History Alliance had earned a month, March, to commemorate women’s history. In addition, March was selected so women’s history celebrations could coincide with International Women’s Day.
Does Women’s History Month include Black women?
For years, Black women have been unsure of where they fit in. As unique minorities, Black women must honor their Blackness and womanhood. Because of this, intersectional feminism was coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989. Although Women’s History Month isn’t always connected to feminism, some Black women fear women of color may be excluded again.
This fear brings about the question: how do Black women and women of color celebrate Women’s History Month while recognizing its sorted history? Some folks may not know that April has been named International Black Women’s History Month. Spearheaded by Sha Battle, International Black Women’s History Month was initially recognized in April 2016.
Battle is a tech consultant from Atlanta, GA. During her lifetime, she felt the weight of being both Black and a woman. She began to feel that Black women’s contributions were going unrecognized, hence her creating Black Women’s History Month.
Battle has created something amazing, but it can’t be ignored that it had to be created in the first place. The creation of Black Women’s History Month suggests that Women’s History Month is for white women — or at least that is how Black women are made to feel.
In what ways can we celebrate?
Although Black Women’s History Month was created out of necessity, we can celebrate that Black women have three consecutive months of honor. Beginning in February, we have Black History Month. Then, stepping into March, we get Women’s History Month. In addition, we have April as Black Women’s History Month to finish with a bang.
As Black women and women of color, we can use all three months to recognize our accomplishments, give our sisters flowers, and continue to educate against biases and stereotypes. On the fun side of life, celebrate yourself for all you have conquered. Take yourself out to eat, get your nails done, and get those pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing. Text your friends and tell them that they are beautiful.
Additionally, we should take the time to support other Black women. Read books by Black women authors. Stream your favorite Black artist’s music. Watch Black women-led films and TV shows. Shop local and small Black women-owned businesses.
Women’s History Month is a time for all women to be celebrated. Classifications of weight, race, religion, or sexuality should not exclude anyone. It’s a time when those considered less than men are recognized for their contributions to society and history — not to determine who is the most idyllic woman.
How do you celebrate Women’s History Month? Let us know in the comments below.
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