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CONTRIBUTED
March is recognized as Women’s History Month and has been celebrated throughout Baldwin County in various forms.
Each year, The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum encourage the study, observance, and celebration of the role of women in American history.
“Since 1995, presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields,” states the Women’s History Month website.
Originally starting as a week-long celebration in the early 1980s, the National Women’s History Project urged Congress to pass Pub. L. 100-9, which designated the month of March 1987 as Women’s History Month. Since then, women and their achievements in the present and past have been celebrated annually.
“As the old saying goes, behind every great man is a great woman,” said Latonya Howell, presenter at the March 5 Board of Commissioners’ meeting. “Milledgeville established history herself as the first lady of Georgia. Founded in 1803, Milledgeville was one of the cities that would be crowned the title of Georgia State Capitol. Since the path has been made, we women have worked tirelessly to make sure it remains clear.”
Howell presented to the Baldwin County Board of Commissioners on March 5 to recognize the history of women who publicly served Baldwin County.
At that same meeting, the Baldwin County Fire Rescue and the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office recognized a few chosen female employees for their service. Reverend Susan Balfour of the First Presbyterian Church shared a heartfelt thanks to women everywhere in her opening prayer and Commissioner Emily Davis also shared a few words on the importance of women’s history months and invited every woman present in the room to be recognized for a photo.
“We thank you (God) for creating women. We are thankful for the gifts women bring to their communities,” said Balfour. “We thank you for the particular women in this community who lead and have led. We are grateful for their voice and their willingness to be active partners in service and leadership.”
At Floyd Griffin's campaign rally on March 9, he took a moment to share his appreciation for the women in his life who helped him to achieve great things and continue to serve his community.
“Let me also salute all of the women here today, because this is Women’s History Month. And I salute you because I know what you have gone through over the years,” said Griffin.
At the March 12 city council meeting, Chairman Shonya Mapp was recognized for receiving the Reverend Martin Luther King Drum Major for Justice Award from the Macon-Bibb County Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The award recognizes extraordinary individuals who go above and beyond to serve others.
In addition, Baldwin County School District (BCSD) Executive Assistant Gina Whitaker was recognized for receiving the Georgia Recognizing Inspirational School Employees Award by Governor Brian Kemp and BCSD staff. BCSD also read a proclamation for Women’s History Month at its monthly meeting and Superintendent Dr. Noris Price led a round of applause for all women present.
“Women's History Month honors and celebrates the struggles and achievements of American women throughout the history of the United States. American women have fought throughout our history to gain rights not simply for themselves, but also for many other underrepresented and disenfranchised groups in America,” states the Library of Congress.
These are only a few examples of how Baldwin County has observed Women’s History Month and recognized women of the past and present who have shaped American history. As the month comes to a close, remember to take a moment and remember, discuss, learn, or teach about the women in the community who have made an impact.
To learn more about the importance of Women’s History Month and the importance of women in American history visit, https://womenshistorymonth.gov/index.html.