Celebrating Women's History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m highlighting three iconic women leaders whose lives continue to inspire and move Americans to action.



Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931) lived a life of tireless truth telling. She was a journalist, anti-lynching activist, a women’s suffragist, and an early civil rights movement leader. Wells-Barnett pioneered the field of investigative journalism and, in 1895 she published “A Red Record.” This 100-page book provided history and a statistical record of lynchings of African Americans, shaping the anti-lynching movement. Her brave and dogged work unequivocally demonstrated that lynchings were racist murders, no ifs, ands, or buts.

Frances Perkins (1880-1965) was the first woman to join a presidential cabinet as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945. When she was appointed, she gave the President a list of policies she intended to pursue. On that list were things we now take for granted as Americans: Social Security, unemployment compensation, the banning of child labor, the minimum wage and the 40-hour work week. 

Dolores Huerta, born in 1930, is most well known as the co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union with Cesar Chavez. A consummate organizer and negotiator during her long career, she has gone toe-to-toe with fellow lobbyists and elected officials on behalf of farm workers and their families. To this day, she continues to develop leaders and advocates for women and their families through the Dolores Huerta Foundation.

WDC honors figures like Ida, Frances, and Dolores this month by continuing to press for state and county legislation to protect Maryland women and their families. Many of our members are also participating in collective action to save our democracy. Please read the rest of this newsletter for opportunities to take-action-for-good in commemoration of Women’s History Month. There’s something for everyone. 

Cynthia Rubenstein