By: Kim Jones

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Spring has finally sprung, or has it? Living in the State of Michigan, you never really know.

Women’s History Month is an annual, declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated during March in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, corresponding with International Women’s Day, which was held on March 8, 2026.

What started as a one-day observation over a century ago turned into a month-long celebration highlighting women’s contributions to history and society. Though women make history year-round, March marks the annual observance of how their contributions shape culture and society.

Designed by Congress as Women’s History Month, there’s a thematic celebration dedicated to exploring the impact, stories and perspectives of women throughout U.S. history.

For March 2026, the National Women’s History Alliance (NWHA) announced the theme is Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future. “This theme honors the women who have and are reimagining and rebuilding systems to ensure long-term sustainability, environmental, economic, educational and societal,” stated the NWHA. It recognized the powerful leadership of women in creating a future that is rooted in equity, justice and opportunity for all.

The seed of Women’s History Month began on February 28, 1909 with National Women’s History Day. It marked the protest of New York City women workers who marched through the streets the year prior, advocating for better working conditions and women’s suffrage.

In 1977, to persuade school principles to comply with the recently passed Title IX, a task force in California created Women’s History Week for the following year. After celebrations spread across the country, former President Jimmy Carter designated March 2-8, 1980 as Women’s History Week the following year, Congress passed legislation to support the week-long commemoration.

In 1987, congress declared the entire month of March as women’s History Month. Since then, every president has proclaimed the annual observance in March.

Key Dates in Women’s History

• International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8. This day was established as a holiday in 1911.
• The first major march on Washington by suffrages occurred on March 3, 1913.
• The National Women’s Party was formed in March 1917. The group was dedicated to fighting for women’s rights to vote.
• The Equal Rights Amendment was passed in the Senate on March 22, 1972.
• Title IX was passed on March 1, 1972. In fact, the first ever Women’s History Week was issued to bolster support for Title IX, which prohibits discrimination due to sex in federally funded education programs and activities.

I would like to thank the Black History Committee for their 30th Annual Black History Program. It was very uplifting, with great speakers, including Judge Mary Hood, Judge Tabitha Marsh and poet Mama Sol. There was also entertainment from saxophonist Antwan Kirkland, and the IAF Phoenix dance team.

Many thanks to Chaplain Henry Jamerson, Minister JoAnn Carrington, and the Women of the Hour, DJ Mike Gipp, along with the Officers, Executive Board and Staff of Local 659.

Local 659’s General Election time is near, with sign-ups at the Union Hall on April 8, 9, and 10th, 2026. On April 8th and 9th, the hours for sign-ups are 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. On Friday, April 10th, signup is 7:00 am – 4:00 pm. Our General Election will be held April 23, 2026 and Run-Off (if necessary) will be April 30, 2026. (See Postings for Voting Times and Locations)

Sign-ups for UAW Constitutional Convention Delegate will be April 15th, 16th, and 17th, at the Union Hall. The hours for sign-up on April 15th and 16th are 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Sign-ups on Friday, April 17th, will be 7:00 am – 4:00 pm. Election will be held at the Union Hall on May 7, 2026, 6:00 am – 6:00 pm.

The Recreation and Women’s Committee will be hosting their annual Easter Party for the Kids on March 29, 2026 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm with the Easter Egg Hunt beginning at 2:30 pm. Bring your family and friends kids and grandkids for a joyful celebration, which will include taking a picture with the Easter Bunny, a movie, and snacks for the kids.

Until next time, be blessed, stay warm, and have a Happy Easter!