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John,
This Women’s History Month, we’re looking back at the fight for women’s rights throughout history. And let us tell you, it’s been a loooong fight. 😮💨
Women and femmes have been denied basic rights for most of history. Every gain has been a battle, and nothing comes easy. Some of these rights, like gay marriage, have only been secured in the last few decades, and many are being rolled back as you read this.
And that’s just for women in general. Black women and femmes have been at the forefront of history and change-making (although SOME folks keep trying to erase them from it)!
It's time to reflect on the remarkable legacy of Black women and femmes throughout history. Women's History Month embodies trailblazing. What started as a one-week local celebration in 1978 has evolved into a globally recognized month.
Yet, that didn't come without bumps and bruises. It wasn't until the 1980s that a group of zealous women lobbied to get the week nationally recognized, and even then, it took EIGHT more years for Congress to acknowledge the month fully.
Truly a testament to Black women and femmes getting sh*t done!
Before we take a look back at some notable history, will you take a moment to like and share our post on Women's History month?
So let’s go on a journey through time:
📍 Before 1967, interracial couples were banned from marrying in many states. The Loving v. Virginia ruling made those racist laws unconstitutional.
📍 In 1969, California became the first state to allow no-fault divorce. Until then, women had to prove abuse, infidelity, or abandonment just to leave a marriage.
📍 Before 1973, women in many states were barred from serving on juries. Court decisions were made without them in the room.
📍 In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that women had the right to safe, legal abortion. After years of restrictions, that right was overturned in 2022, proving that no victory is permanent.
📍 Before 1974, banks could deny women credit cards simply because they were women. The Fair Credit Opportunity Act finally made that illegal.
📍 In 1974, Chicago repealed the last of the “Ugly Laws,” which allowed police to fine, arrest, and jail disabled people just for existing in public.
📍 Before 1988, women couldn’t get a business loan without a male co-signer. The Women’s Business Ownership Act finally changed that.
📍 In 2003, anti-cohabitation laws were struck down. Before that, unmarried couples could be arrested simply for living together.
📍 Until 2018, Utah and Idaho had no clear laws protecting breastfeeding parents from being criminalized under public indecency laws.
The fight for women’s rights is far from over, here in America and around the world. We can always do more to uplift women and femmes, regardless of whether it’s Women’s History Month.
The problem has never been a lack of grace, wisdom, or leadership from women but rather a system created to marginalize and overlook their achievements. We must build a world where our children know about the incredible contributions of Black women and femmes to society.
John, let’s continue the fight for women and femmes equality AND keep the conversation going—let us know what you're thinking or who you're celebrating this month in our Instagram comments.
In solidarity,
Black Lives Matter
Our grassroots movement is pushing for Black liberation every single day. We are striving to create a world where Black people do so much more than just survive. It’s time we thrive.
As an organization one of our biggest hurdles is consistency.
A recurring contribution of anything you can afford goes a long way as we plan for the months, years, and even decades ahead. This is the most effective way for small-dollar donors (like you) to power our Black liberation work.
Will you make a recurring contribution of $5 or more today so that we can keep building momentum for our movement?
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