Congresswoman Barbara Lee Honors Women's History Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2013
Contact: Carrie Adams (202) 225-2661
Washington, D.C.— Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) issued the following statement today to commemorate Women’s History Month:
“The celebration of Women’s History Month started as an idea in Sonoma, California in the 1970s by the Education Task Force, grew into to a week established in 1978, and now into a month-long celebration of the impact of women throughout history.
“In the midst of the formation of Women’s History Month, the Honorable Shirley Chisholm, my mentor and friend, was making history. As the first African American woman member of Congress, she worked tirelessly to remain unbought and unbossed. In 1972, her trailblazing path continued when she became the first woman to make a bid for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. I had the great pleasure of becoming one of her delegates. Shirley Chisholm inspired me to believe that the Oval Office was not the sole property and province of men.
“Naturally, there are a number of inspirational women who have contributed in ways big and small to the fabric of America. Society, however, does not make it easy for women to be leaders. These heroines fought for equal pay in the workplace, voting rights, the right to raise a family while maintaining a career, women’s reproductive rights, and so much more. I am eternally grateful for the courage of these women who sacrificed so much to make the dreams of future generations of women more attainable.
“Today, we see women’s power in full force, their innovation and ingenuity is driving economies here and around the world, from community development to corporate board rooms. We’ve come a long way, but we cannot stop fighting for greater equality and better opportunities.
“As we mark Women’s History Month, I encourage women from every corner in the world to take up the same challenge that our predecessors began. Let’s join together to become mentors to young women and dedicate ourselves to helping cultivate the next generation of leaders.”
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Follow Barbara Lee on Facebook and Twitter @RepBarbaraLee. To learn more, visit lee.house.gov