Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when Congress passed Pub. L. 97-28 which authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.” Throughout the next five years, Congress continued to pass joint resolutions designating a week in March as “Women’s History Week.” In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month.” Between 1988 and 1994, Congress passed additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women’s History Month.” (Source: http://womenshistorymonth.gov/about.html).
Every March, the UMKC Women’s Center publishes a list of events at UMKC and in Kansas City honoring Women’s History Month. Below are the events for March 2019:
- Social Media Countdown to International Women’s Day. , March 1 – Fri., March 8. Follow the works by women artists featured as a social media campaign counting down to International Women’s Day (March 8) at https://www.facebook.com/KemperMuseum/.
- Women of Color Leadership Conference: High School Collegiate Connection Day. , March 7 at 8:15 a.m., UMKC Student Union. A half day conference for High School and Collegiate Students, with workshops centered around ethnic and gender identity development, health relationships, sex education, and college readiness. Email UMKCWOCLC@umkc.edu to register or learn more. Sponsored by UMKC Division of Diversity and Inclusion.
- Kansas City Women of Independent Mind. , March 9 at 10:30 a.m., and Tues., March 12, and Thurs., March 28 at 6:30 p.m., various locations. Meet the women who made Kansas City and Jackson County history. Follow local historian David W. Jackson on a journey through time from the early 1800s to present and discover Kansas City’s “herstory.” RSVP at https://www.mymcpl.org/events/all-events. Sponsored by the Mid-Continent Public Library.
- Yes, We Can. Immigrant Women and Their Influence on Kansas City. , March 10 at 2 p.m., Kansas City Public Library: Central Library. UMKC social historian Sandra Enriquez examines female immigrants—past and more contemporary—who were instrumental in shaping Kansas City’s politics, culture, and society. RSVP at https://www.kclibrary.org/signature-events/.
- Women’s History Month Trivia Week. Mon., March 11 – Fri., March 15. Check out our social media pages for trivia questions about Women’s History Month and this year’s national theme, “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence.” Prizes will be awarded to trivia contest winners.
- Women’s History Month Trivia Table. March 14, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Royall Hall, 800 E. 52nd St. Join us for some trivia about Women’s History Month and this year’s national theme, “Visionary Women: Champions of Peace & Nonviolence.” Prizes will be awarded to trivia contest winners.
- Opening Reception: Who Does She Think She Is? March 15, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton St, Overland Park, KS 66204. Join us for the opening of this exhibit and network with the artists while enjoying live entertainment and light refreshments. Co-sponsored by InterUrban ArtHouse.
- The Persistent Muse: Women, Art, and Activism. March 19, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m., Miller Nichols Library, Room 325, 800 E. 51st St. Join us for lunch and hear from a panel of women artists who are using their art to make social change in our community. Space is limited. Please RSVP to umkc-womens-center@umkc.edu or 8116-235-1638. Co-sponsored by the InterUrban Art House.
- She Thinks She’s a Tapestry: Weaving Songs and Stories. March 31, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton St., Overland Park, KS 66204. Cost: $15. Join us for this live performance by local singer/songwriter Joy Zimmerman as she explores themes from her own life and the lives of other women. Co-sponsored by InterUrban ArtHouse.