Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Peak to Peak. The United States celebrates Women’s History Month every March. I have heard people ask why we do this and why do we celebrate Black History Month. These months are dedicated to people who are often overlooked in our society. Their contributions historically are hidden, and all too often forgotten. 

Women’s History Month exists to observe, encourage study and celebrate the critical role of women in American History. This year is even more special because the Nineteenth Amendment that gave women the right to vote in the United States was ratified and became law in August of 1920. One hundred years ago. 

My maternal grandmother was 19 years old when the Nineteenth Amendment became law of the land. Sadly, I never thought to ask her if she voted that first time. I would like to think that she did, but times were very different then. She was young and living with her parents on their Wisconsin dairy farm doing a lot of cooking, laundry and caring for chickens and cows. All the things expected of a young woman from a poor farming family in 1920.

No matter if she voted in 1920 or waited until she was older to cast her first vote, I am grateful. She was born to German immigrants and knew what it was like to not be allowed to vote. Today we all stand on the shoulders of the people who cast those votes and fought for the right to have a voice in government. 

I vividly remember when Sandra Day O’Connor became the first woman to be appointed to the US Supreme Court. I was wearing rainbow shirts, white shorts, a high ponytail and was riding my bicycle with a banana seat that summer of 1981 when she became an Associate Justice. This elementary school student from rural northeastern South Dakota knew the importance of the event. I admired her. I saw her as a role model for intellectual women. 

The overlooked contributions that women have made and are making in the US is endless. Take a look at this list of American women who have made a huge impact on our lives and on our society. If you don’t know one do a little research and learn about them. Choose a favorite and do some research to find out more about them. Learn more about these extraordinary women: Sojourner Truth, Abigail Adams, Katherine Johnson, Maya Angelou, Jane Goodall, Wilma Mankiller, Sally Ride, Dr. Susan Anderson, Clara Brown, Grace Hopper, Billie Jean King, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriet Tubman, Connie Chung, Fannie Lou Hammer, Pat Summitt, Shirley Ann Jackson, and Sybil Ludington. 

This list is nowhere near complete of incredible women from the United States. The ones who have fought against the status quo and made strides in the name of equality. I am sure if you look at the people around you will find amazing women in your own life. During this month of March that honors Women’s History I challenge you to learn a little more, acknowledge a little more, respect a little more. Let’s honor women! The ones we only hear about and the ones that touch our lives daily.

“From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung, and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”  ~President Jimmy Carter

(Originally published in the March 5, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)